English and Media Department
The English and Media Studies Department at Sutton Centre consists of 9 members of staff and has contributions from other experienced teachers of English, Media and Drama. The core provision of English and Media in Years 7-11 and has a good take-up rate at AS/A2 Level Literature, Language and Media Studies in Years 12 and 13 and makes an extensive contribution to Continuing Education in the Community. Through the 11th session programme the Department caters for a large number of students at its twice weekly English and Media sessions. In addition, there is a constant demand for A Level and GCSE classes through Adult Education in the evening.
Teaching in the Department is in mixed ability ‘tutor’ groups in Years 7 and 8. Year 9 are in ability sets and Years 10 and 11 are reconstituted mixed ability.
All students in Years 7-10 have 3 hours of English a week and one hour of Drama provided by the Performing Arts Department. Year 11 have 4 hours of English.
English and Media maintain strong links with the Performing Arts Department, contributing to school productions and supporting a large number of specialist Drama students at GCSE and AS/A2 level. Media studies is also a highly successful Key Stage 4 and post-16 option.
All students at Key Stage 4 are entered for the WJEC English and English Literature examinations. Those who elect to study at post-16 also follow the Welsh Board Courses. In addition, staff from the department are involved in a wider range of post-16 education opportunities GNVQ courses, key skills sessions and functional skills in Years 12 and 13.
The Department has excellent links with primary schools through the school’s well established primary liaison team. Particular efforts are made to allow easy transition from the primary to the secondary phase and to encourage communication between colleagues in both sectors; 11th sessions often provide good opportunities to further this process.
The Department’s accommodation consists of a range of facilities including an ICT suite, access to a large learning resource centre and the support of a full-time learning resource manager. Video and computer equipment is installed within the Department and there is access to other computer facilities situated elsewhere in the school.
