It's almost March!
Hello, hello!
I know I am one to talk but just wanted to draw your attention to the fact February is almost ending and that also means we will be finishing with language analysis and moving on to creative writing. Thanks to everyone who has sent me essays - I promise I will get up to date with my marking this weekend so expect an email Saturday/Sunday.
Keep up the motivation - only a few months more now.
Also, I am looking at flights to come and visit the first week back after your Spring Break (something like the 7th - 14th April) - I want to make sure you have had a go at all the basis by then so we know what we are going to focus on in that week.
That's all for now - bye!
I know I am one to talk but just wanted to draw your attention to the fact February is almost ending and that also means we will be finishing with language analysis and moving on to creative writing. Thanks to everyone who has sent me essays - I promise I will get up to date with my marking this weekend so expect an email Saturday/Sunday.
Keep up the motivation - only a few months more now.
Also, I am looking at flights to come and visit the first week back after your Spring Break (something like the 7th - 14th April) - I want to make sure you have had a go at all the basis by then so we know what we are going to focus on in that week.
That's all for now - bye!
Awaiting the snow...
Hello, all!
I am currently sat on the sofa under a duvet with the heating on full blast and two fires burning in the house. I did have my woolly hat on but I have taken it off now. We are supposed to be getting heavy snow today and so everyone is hiding inside.
I am so pleased to have received some essays already from your February workpack. What is even better is that they look so promising. I am going to finish off updating the website and then email back your marks later. I love getting your emails and it makes me so proud (and also ultra guilty) to imagine you studying away with nothing more than you motivation to see you through.
It seems that you are pretty confident with regards to the 'comment on the style and language...' questions and so if we (you) keep working on them for the rest of February and then we can tick that section off completely.
Oh how lovely - it has started snowing as I type this. Hopefully, I am going to go out for a walk in a bit and take some pictures. Check out the ones below (which I didn't take) and feel lovely and warm! [1. a frozen fountain, 2. ducks in London, 3. a frozen waterfall, 4. the frozen sea]
I am currently sat on the sofa under a duvet with the heating on full blast and two fires burning in the house. I did have my woolly hat on but I have taken it off now. We are supposed to be getting heavy snow today and so everyone is hiding inside.
I am so pleased to have received some essays already from your February workpack. What is even better is that they look so promising. I am going to finish off updating the website and then email back your marks later. I love getting your emails and it makes me so proud (and also ultra guilty) to imagine you studying away with nothing more than you motivation to see you through.
It seems that you are pretty confident with regards to the 'comment on the style and language...' questions and so if we (you) keep working on them for the rest of February and then we can tick that section off completely.
Oh how lovely - it has started snowing as I type this. Hopefully, I am going to go out for a walk in a bit and take some pictures. Check out the ones below (which I didn't take) and feel lovely and warm! [1. a frozen fountain, 2. ducks in London, 3. a frozen waterfall, 4. the frozen sea]
I am alive!
Oh my goodness - I am so sorry for disappearing off the face of the internet but I completely forgot how much work there is to do here! Then to top it off, OFSTED came for a vist (Government Inspectors - J.K. Rowling based the Ministry of Magic on them in Harry Potter) so I have worked non stop. However, they left on Thursday, which means I can now catch up on AS work!
Anyway, as everyone knows, January is a rubbish month and so we will plough on with February!
Check out the Assignment page for a February section where we will now focus on exam practice and essay writing.
Anyway, as everyone knows, January is a rubbish month and so we will plough on with February!
Check out the Assignment page for a February section where we will now focus on exam practice and essay writing.
AS Only
Dear Stephanie Hamman
Thank you for your email dated 9th January 2012.
I can confirm that English Language 8693 is only available at AS level. It cannot be carried forward to make up a full English A level.
The only full English A level that we offer offer is 9695 Literature in English.
I hope this answers your query; however, please contact me if you require further information.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Moss
Customer Services Advisor
University of Cambridge International Examinations
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)1223 553554
Fax
: +44 (0)1223 553558
Thank you for your email dated 9th January 2012.
I can confirm that English Language 8693 is only available at AS level. It cannot be carried forward to make up a full English A level.
The only full English A level that we offer offer is 9695 Literature in English.
I hope this answers your query; however, please contact me if you require further information.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Moss
Customer Services Advisor
University of Cambridge International Examinations
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)1223 553554
Fax
: +44 (0)1223 553558
A2 Issue
Ok - so Ayesha has found an issue with the course you are on and apparently it stops after AS level (see page 10 of the syllabus below).
I have emailed them so hopefully they will get back to me tomorrow with regards to what the future holds.
Whether or not the AS can carry on to A2, the issue is that Al Dhafra doesn't teach it. If you were to do anything A2 level, or take Literature (of either A2 or A2), you would need to be having daily lessons properly as you would do you other subjects. The reason we can get away with not having lessons is because Language is more methodical and a case of me supplying you with information, and you learning it and applying it to your reading.
If people want to have English as an Alevel, you need to be thinking if this is because of an interest or because you want to study English at university level.
I'll post again when I hear back from Cambridge.
I have emailed them so hopefully they will get back to me tomorrow with regards to what the future holds.
Whether or not the AS can carry on to A2, the issue is that Al Dhafra doesn't teach it. If you were to do anything A2 level, or take Literature (of either A2 or A2), you would need to be having daily lessons properly as you would do you other subjects. The reason we can get away with not having lessons is because Language is more methodical and a case of me supplying you with information, and you learning it and applying it to your reading.
If people want to have English as an Alevel, you need to be thinking if this is because of an interest or because you want to study English at university level.
I'll post again when I hear back from Cambridge.
Anybody there?
I am slightly concerned that I haven't heard from anybody in quite a while! No one has completed their twice weekly emails since we started and I can only assume you have been enjoying your holidays a bit too much!
You are back at school tomorrow so I would like to hope that you are able to get back into the routine of emailing and studying for English. I have not added anything extra to the website because I was not sure if you had worked through the Grammar and Assignment pages or not.
I would like to assume you have but have just stayed very quite about it. From tomorrow, I will start adding new work and information.
Enjoy your last day of the holidays.
You are back at school tomorrow so I would like to hope that you are able to get back into the routine of emailing and studying for English. I have not added anything extra to the website because I was not sure if you had worked through the Grammar and Assignment pages or not.
I would like to assume you have but have just stayed very quite about it. From tomorrow, I will start adding new work and information.
Enjoy your last day of the holidays.
Grammar Page
The Grammar page is bascially complete now. I may add a few more websites to help you with your studying but the basis of information is there.
The next page to be completed will be the Language Framework section so prioritise the grammar and then I will let you know when something else is finished.
Remember to use this time to swap up on the grammar and language aspects so we can focus on the essay writing and syllabus when school starts.
The next page to be completed will be the Language Framework section so prioritise the grammar and then I will let you know when something else is finished.
Remember to use this time to swap up on the grammar and language aspects so we can focus on the essay writing and syllabus when school starts.
Weebly Monster
I just wanted to remind you all that I am not exactly sure when the cut off point is for these webpages. I know you can get quite a bit of information on a page but then what was at the bottom of the page slowly gets eaten up by the weebly monster.
If you see anything important, make sure you save it or copy and paste it straight away because by the time you finally get around to it, it may already be in something's tummy...
If you see anything important, make sure you save it or copy and paste it straight away because by the time you finally get around to it, it may already be in something's tummy...
Language Terminology
The file below is what was actually the 'Terminology' page but I have realised we don't have enough room to be taken up entirely by terms and so you now have it all on one document (which will make it easier to print, anyway).
language_terminology.doc | |
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Don't write...read!
As you may have seen, now I am back in the land of 'it's too cold to do anything so let's work', the website is beginning to fill up. I know that people are travelling and have other plans over the holiday but in terms of studying, I would like you to keep track of the Language Framework and Grammar page and work from this when and where you can.
Bascially, when you go back to school, we will go back to writing essays but I will expect you to include all this new information when you write. Therefore, use this time to become acquainted with the terms so when you come to write, you are more familiar with what you need to include and you know where to look on the website for the information.
Bascially, when you go back to school, we will go back to writing essays but I will expect you to include all this new information when you write. Therefore, use this time to become acquainted with the terms so when you come to write, you are more familiar with what you need to include and you know where to look on the website for the information.
Wednesday Joy!
Wednesdays will never be the same...or will they!
An obligatory email must be sent to me on a Sunday and Wednesday night, every week. It doesn't have to be long but it is my way of checking up on you and making sure you are staying focused.
You can just write about the book you are reading, what you have been looking at on the website, any interesting websites you have found, what grammar you have studied...
Obviously, you still have all your school subjects to work for (and quizzes...and assessments!) but try and do a little something for English every night.
My example would be something like:
Hello! blah blah blah... School has been mad. Since last Wednesday, I have carried on reading 'Enduring Love' each night before bed. It's getting really good actually after the slow start. There was a lovely line in it which was '............'.
I have read these two poems (X and Y) and I am not sure I understood it properly but I really like the words used in poem X.
I spent 20 minutes on Monday reading through the different nouns (concrete, abstract and Proper) and have been trying to identify them as I have been reading. I hope in the next few days to start on verbs.
Bye! Your A* student!
[email protected]
An obligatory email must be sent to me on a Sunday and Wednesday night, every week. It doesn't have to be long but it is my way of checking up on you and making sure you are staying focused.
You can just write about the book you are reading, what you have been looking at on the website, any interesting websites you have found, what grammar you have studied...
Obviously, you still have all your school subjects to work for (and quizzes...and assessments!) but try and do a little something for English every night.
My example would be something like:
Hello! blah blah blah... School has been mad. Since last Wednesday, I have carried on reading 'Enduring Love' each night before bed. It's getting really good actually after the slow start. There was a lovely line in it which was '............'.
I have read these two poems (X and Y) and I am not sure I understood it properly but I really like the words used in poem X.
I spent 20 minutes on Monday reading through the different nouns (concrete, abstract and Proper) and have been trying to identify them as I have been reading. I hope in the next few days to start on verbs.
Bye! Your A* student!
[email protected]
Text Book
I am home! (just - after a horrific trip!) and have found my book - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Revision-Express-English-Language-Revise/dp/1405821256
This is an excellent way to study all the key terms. Get down to Macgrudy's!
AS & A2 English Language - Revision Express (2003)
This is an excellent way to study all the key terms. Get down to Macgrudy's!
AS & A2 English Language - Revision Express (2003)
Reading Records
reading_records.xls | |
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File Type: | xls |
Random important stuff
View this website for online classic books: http://www.literature.org/authors/
View this website to see suggested reading: http://www.teachit.co.uk/armoore/prose/wideread.htm#3
View this website to read poetry (you can work your way through the top 500): http://poemhunter.com/poems/
This is a list of terminology you need to be to know: alliteration, similes, metaphors, assonance, rhyme scheme, onomatopoeia, sibilance, pre/post modification, enjambment, connotations, rhetorical questions, facts and opinions, emotive language, rule of three, superlatives, comparatives, repetition, exaggeration, form, punctuation.
This is a list of terminology we will look at next week: concrete/proper/abstract/countable nouns, active/passive verbs, lexis, juxtaposition, semantic fields, allusion, anaphora, antithesis, hyperbole, amplification, hyperphora, personification, anthropomorphism, sentence structure.
View this website to see suggested reading: http://www.teachit.co.uk/armoore/prose/wideread.htm#3
View this website to read poetry (you can work your way through the top 500): http://poemhunter.com/poems/
This is a list of terminology you need to be to know: alliteration, similes, metaphors, assonance, rhyme scheme, onomatopoeia, sibilance, pre/post modification, enjambment, connotations, rhetorical questions, facts and opinions, emotive language, rule of three, superlatives, comparatives, repetition, exaggeration, form, punctuation.
This is a list of terminology we will look at next week: concrete/proper/abstract/countable nouns, active/passive verbs, lexis, juxtaposition, semantic fields, allusion, anaphora, antithesis, hyperbole, amplification, hyperphora, personification, anthropomorphism, sentence structure.
7th / 8th December
Right! Here is the plan...
Tonight's (7th) lesson is cancelled because some people can't make it and we were going to start prose today so it seems best to start when everyone is there. The next lesson will be Wednesday, 14th (please can you bring payment for November/December).
However, I have a tonne of sheets that I want you to go through before then so I would like to meet with you all tomorrow and the best time seems to be 5 minutes before assembly - if you come to the English office and then we can find an empty classroom/corridor to chat quickly.
Sorry for the confusion. Also, I now definitely have Chahla and Ayesha's number but if your name is not Chahla or Ayesha, please can you email me your number so I have it stored safely on my phone and not thrown out with unused poems!
See you tomorrow.
Tonight's (7th) lesson is cancelled because some people can't make it and we were going to start prose today so it seems best to start when everyone is there. The next lesson will be Wednesday, 14th (please can you bring payment for November/December).
However, I have a tonne of sheets that I want you to go through before then so I would like to meet with you all tomorrow and the best time seems to be 5 minutes before assembly - if you come to the English office and then we can find an empty classroom/corridor to chat quickly.
Sorry for the confusion. Also, I now definitely have Chahla and Ayesha's number but if your name is not Chahla or Ayesha, please can you email me your number so I have it stored safely on my phone and not thrown out with unused poems!
See you tomorrow.
GCSE poetry
Read through this booklet to learn about all the different poems which were in the GCSE syllabus.
a_guide_to_aqa_gcse_poetry.pdf | |
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Anonymous Movie
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/shakespeare-movie-has-lost-the-plot-lament-loyal-fans-of-the-bard-2376011.htmlhttp://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9RCJPM80.htm
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Explaining-Concept-Roland-Emmerich-Shakespeare-Movie-Anonymous-27536.html - a very interesting and convincing article!
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Explaining-Concept-Roland-Emmerich-Shakespeare-Movie-Anonymous-27536.html - a very interesting and convincing article!
Red Alert
To hopefully make it easier, whenever you see a heading in red, that means the information below it is all lovely extra work for you to complete at home!
Persuasive Writing - Analysis
Please read this example of persuasive writing, print it and annotate it to show me the features of persuasive writing:
http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/extras/persuadeexamplekennedy.htm
(A frog out sitting calmly ribbeting eating rotten egg-fried rice - alliteration, facts, opinion, superlatives, comparatives, repetition, emotive language, rule of three, exaggeration, rhetorical question)
http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/extras/persuadeexamplekennedy.htm
(A frog out sitting calmly ribbeting eating rotten egg-fried rice - alliteration, facts, opinion, superlatives, comparatives, repetition, emotive language, rule of three, exaggeration, rhetorical question)
Results!
I am so sorry for being completely rubbish with marking your work. However, I have just gone through everything I have in my inbox and marked it according to the AS mark scheme.
I have put them all in the file below - I hope you don't mind. I used to do this at ENS and the boys really liked being able to view their marks and didn't really bother about what anyone else had got. Also, because we are such a small class and everyone is supporting each other, I thought this would be the best decision as it keeps me organised (and more likely to mark quicker) also.
One thing is that I don't want anyone to have a fit that they are not getting the top marks. Please remember, you have only just started and haven't done anything like this before. You are all progressing and remember how many months are left and see where you will be by the exam! Your grades are absolutely fine and you are on target for very good results!
(We will discuss more on Wednesday)
I have put them all in the file below - I hope you don't mind. I used to do this at ENS and the boys really liked being able to view their marks and didn't really bother about what anyone else had got. Also, because we are such a small class and everyone is supporting each other, I thought this would be the best decision as it keeps me organised (and more likely to mark quicker) also.
One thing is that I don't want anyone to have a fit that they are not getting the top marks. Please remember, you have only just started and haven't done anything like this before. You are all progressing and remember how many months are left and see where you will be by the exam! Your grades are absolutely fine and you are on target for very good results!
(We will discuss more on Wednesday)
results.xls | |
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File Type: | xls |
Adele 'Set Fire to the Rain' analysis
So this is what I got up to yesterday in between doing nothing and watching for that 1.15pm meeting!
adele_1.jpg | |
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adele_2.jpg | |
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Past Paper Questions
I have just gone over the past questions we have got and written them in a way that will hopefully give you a better idea about what has been tested before in the past. I have started to word the questions that I ask you in a similar way to these as well so it should make you feel more comfortable with the exam language. I think also, the key for the future is also in travel writing (especially as it is an international exam so they think this is something that everyone can relate and identify with). I will take my books to the copy store tomorrow after school so you can get started with the Bill Bryson reading.
past_questions.doc | |
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Weekly Tasks
1) Read the original tale of the Little Mermaid: http://www.yankeeweb.com/library/storytime/grimmbros/grimmbros_32.html
2) Comment on the style and language of 'Ariel' (using the CLISFP template)
3) Basing your answer closely on the style of the original (although writing in narrative, not poetry), write between 120-150 words starting with the lines, 'And I am the arrow'. - Imagine you are inside Plath's head and experiencing that horse ride with her. Write in sentences and paragraphs (but remember the paragraphs may not be even or even very long, and the sentences may be either very short - perhaps even some one word sentences - or rambling sentences filled with punctuation).
Please email them to [email protected] by Wednesday, 30th - also if you are able, please can you save them as the 2003 edition of Word because I hate the newer version and uninstalled it - I will be able to write directly on your essays that way. Don't worry if you can't.
2) Comment on the style and language of 'Ariel' (using the CLISFP template)
3) Basing your answer closely on the style of the original (although writing in narrative, not poetry), write between 120-150 words starting with the lines, 'And I am the arrow'. - Imagine you are inside Plath's head and experiencing that horse ride with her. Write in sentences and paragraphs (but remember the paragraphs may not be even or even very long, and the sentences may be either very short - perhaps even some one word sentences - or rambling sentences filled with punctuation).
Please email them to [email protected] by Wednesday, 30th - also if you are able, please can you save them as the 2003 edition of Word because I hate the newer version and uninstalled it - I will be able to write directly on your essays that way. Don't worry if you can't.
Exemplar Paragraph for 'Catrin'
I have written two paragraphs on imagery for the 'Catrin' poem you wrote your essays on. I hope this helps with your future essays - especially in demonstrating how to show quotes, use quotes and fully expand on the meaning of certain lines and images.
exemplar_paragraph_catrin.doc | |
File Size: | 25 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Of Mice and Men - Found!
I just went to Bawadi and there were six copies of Of Mice and Men in Magrudy's!
Can everyone make sure they have read it for next Wednesday so we can make a start?
Can everyone make sure they have read it for next Wednesday so we can make a start?
Essay Feedback
Hello - hope you had a lovely Eid.
I cleverly decided to move flat during the last weekend of Eid... my printer has decided that it doesn't want to print in this new location. I think what I am going to do is email you back your essays with comments at the bottom as it is either that or the printer gets thrown out the window!
See you all tomorrow at 6.30pm
I cleverly decided to move flat during the last weekend of Eid... my printer has decided that it doesn't want to print in this new location. I think what I am going to do is email you back your essays with comments at the bottom as it is either that or the printer gets thrown out the window!
See you all tomorrow at 6.30pm
Essay Writing
After reading the essays you have sent in, you have great ideas but you need to first sort out your writing structure. For the next essay, use this document as a template for how to organise your ideas more effectively. It should help you focus more on what you are writing and give a sense of maturity to your writing.
To test out this way of writing, I want you to pick any one of the poems we have looked at in class and write about it. It could one you enjoyed the most or the one you can write the most about! Please email this to me by Sunday, 13th November ([email protected])
I hope you are enjoying your holidays!
To test out this way of writing, I want you to pick any one of the poems we have looked at in class and write about it. It could one you enjoyed the most or the one you can write the most about! Please email this to me by Sunday, 13th November ([email protected])
I hope you are enjoying your holidays!
essay_writing.doc | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: | doc |
English Assessment
You can research 'Catrin' by Carol Ann Duffy for 30 minutes prior to the assessment...then you are on your own!
I recommend you view this website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/poetclarke/ - and click on 'Catrin'.
I want to see your own ideas about the poem - it is quite a simple poem in terms of the context: a mother/daughter relationship - and because it is a GCSE poem, it is quite stale in terms of everyone writing exactly the same thing e.g. A symbolises this, B is a simile that illustrates this... - and so I will easily know which ideas you got from the Internet and which are your own.
Give yourself 60 minutes to write an essay analysing the poem of 'Catrin'. Remember about squeezing every last drop of information out an individual word or punctuation mark.
I will set you another essay over the holidays which you can take more time and care over but for now, I just want to see what your initial ideas are when you are faced with a poem you don't know very well.
Please email it to me ([email protected]) by Sunday, 13th November but I would recommend you do it sooner as there will be more work coming your way!
I recommend you view this website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/english_literature/poetclarke/ - and click on 'Catrin'.
I want to see your own ideas about the poem - it is quite a simple poem in terms of the context: a mother/daughter relationship - and because it is a GCSE poem, it is quite stale in terms of everyone writing exactly the same thing e.g. A symbolises this, B is a simile that illustrates this... - and so I will easily know which ideas you got from the Internet and which are your own.
Give yourself 60 minutes to write an essay analysing the poem of 'Catrin'. Remember about squeezing every last drop of information out an individual word or punctuation mark.
I will set you another essay over the holidays which you can take more time and care over but for now, I just want to see what your initial ideas are when you are faced with a poem you don't know very well.
Please email it to me ([email protected]) by Sunday, 13th November but I would recommend you do it sooner as there will be more work coming your way!
catrin.doc | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Eid Mubarak!
Eid Mubarak!
Have a wonderful holiday and I wish you and your families all the happiness for this special time of year.
Have a wonderful holiday and I wish you and your families all the happiness for this special time of year.
Thank you!
I've just got back from tonight's class (2/11/11) and I feel great! I came over feeling so tired and about to fall asleep but now I feel totally energised and it's all down to a great (not for Miss Havisham) lesson!
I know I have said it before but you all are excellent students and I do wish you were able to take English 'properly' but hopefully you are getting something from these evening classes. Keep up your reading, stream of consciousness and looking at the website because I am so excited so see what your level will be in a few months time.
Thanks for the analysis and discussion tonight - it has actually been (sad to admit!) the best part of my day!
I know I have said it before but you all are excellent students and I do wish you were able to take English 'properly' but hopefully you are getting something from these evening classes. Keep up your reading, stream of consciousness and looking at the website because I am so excited so see what your level will be in a few months time.
Thanks for the analysis and discussion tonight - it has actually been (sad to admit!) the best part of my day!
29/10/11 ???
Sorry for having to cancel last lesson - have put a question on the Blog asking if people want to do it on Saturday. Let me know if you can make it or if you just want to wait until next Wednesday.
26/10/11 - Cancelled
Hello - I'm sorry I'm going to have to cancel tonight's lesson. I've been off school today with sickness and I thought I would be fine by now but I still feel really nauseous. I was thinking we could change to Saturday , 29th.
Obviously, this is rather late notice so can whoever sees this first, please message everyone else just in case someone doesn't check.
I'll put some extra work on here to make up for no studying tonight.
Obviously, this is rather late notice so can whoever sees this first, please message everyone else just in case someone doesn't check.
I'll put some extra work on here to make up for no studying tonight.
End of the month
The next lesson on 26th October will be our last one in October. Please can you bring with you to this class, payment for the previous classes. Each class is 100dhs.
Again, please check the Class Times page to check that I have not made an error with the register for these past lessons. I know I have made a mistake somewhere as I am sure there haven't been four people for each lesson! Please let me know so I can correct it.
Again, please check the Class Times page to check that I have not made an error with the register for these past lessons. I know I have made a mistake somewhere as I am sure there haven't been four people for each lesson! Please let me know so I can correct it.
The Bell Jar
Another novel I would really like to study with you is Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar. We would start this after Of Mice and Men but start looking around to see if you can find it. In the novel, Sylvia is just a bit older than you all are and because of her poetic background, is an excellent text to analyse and search for meaning (and not as depressing as you might think!) Again, let me know when you have got a copy so I know what to plan.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bell-Jar-Sylvia-Plath/dp/0571081789/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319082667&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bell-Jar-Sylvia-Plath/dp/0571081789/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319082667&sr=8-1
Author's Purpose
During the week, please work your way through this website which will help you with both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/english/writing/argue_persuade_advise/revise1.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/english/writing/argue_persuade_advise/revise1.shtml
Travel Writing
If you look through the past papers for Paper 1, you will see many are travel writing passages to some extent. Bill Bryson is a very famous American travel writer who I personally think is very funny and easy to read.
Please try and read one of his books. I have two with me in the UAE (I think) and will photocopy some sections for us to study but it would be good if you could read a whole book of his.
Notes from a Small Island
Down Under
Neither Here, Nor There: Travels in Europe
The Lost Continent
A Walk in the Woods
Notes from a Big Country
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_p_n_binding_browse-b_mrr_1?rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Abill+bryson%2Cp_n_binding_browse-bin%3A492564011&bbn=266239&keywords=bill+bryson&ie=UTF8&qid=1319044279&rnid=492562011
Please try and read one of his books. I have two with me in the UAE (I think) and will photocopy some sections for us to study but it would be good if you could read a whole book of his.
Notes from a Small Island
Down Under
Neither Here, Nor There: Travels in Europe
The Lost Continent
A Walk in the Woods
Notes from a Big Country
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_p_n_binding_browse-b_mrr_1?rh=n%3A266239%2Ck%3Abill+bryson%2Cp_n_binding_browse-bin%3A492564011&bbn=266239&keywords=bill+bryson&ie=UTF8&qid=1319044279&rnid=492562011
Of Mice and Men
After studying 'The Eagle' poem tonight, it made me realise we could cover all of the materials you would have experience in a GCSE exam. Of Mice and Men is a novel which is studied for GCSE English Literature and is a great book in terms of context and there being a lot to analyse.
If you can all try and get a copy - I am sure they will actually just stock them in Bawadi Mall Magrudy's actually - we will start working on it in class then. Send me a message when you get your copy so I know when we can start.
PS There is also a film but don't watch the film until we have read the book!
www.amazon.co.uk/Mice-Men-Pocket-Penguin-Classics/dp/0141023570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319043279&sr=8-1
If you can all try and get a copy - I am sure they will actually just stock them in Bawadi Mall Magrudy's actually - we will start working on it in class then. Send me a message when you get your copy so I know when we can start.
PS There is also a film but don't watch the film until we have read the book!
www.amazon.co.uk/Mice-Men-Pocket-Penguin-Classics/dp/0141023570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319043279&sr=8-1
Stream of Consciousness
Danah, Chahla and Ayesha -
I absolutely LOVED your stream of consciousness pieces. They were all so different and personal even though you had been given the same task. I have just read some of your passages out to friends over skype.
You all have an amazing sense of self in your writing style and I am excited to see how you progress over the year.
I absolutely LOVED your stream of consciousness pieces. They were all so different and personal even though you had been given the same task. I have just read some of your passages out to friends over skype.
You all have an amazing sense of self in your writing style and I am excited to see how you progress over the year.
Film Analysis: The Hours
Next Class
Tuesday, 11th October
6.30-8
Oasis Villas
By the way, I have made a Class Times page on the website so hopefully it will be easier for you to keep track of when and where we are meeting. For future reference, please check here.
Also, we discussed more concrete dates and decided upon:
Wednesday @ 6.30-8
Saturday @ 5-6.30
6.30-8
Oasis Villas
By the way, I have made a Class Times page on the website so hopefully it will be easier for you to keep track of when and where we are meeting. For future reference, please check here.
Also, we discussed more concrete dates and decided upon:
Wednesday @ 6.30-8
Saturday @ 5-6.30
Week 2: To do list
1) Read the poem 'Anthem for Doomed Youth' (Paper 1 site) - due Saturday, 15th October
2) Write an 700-800 word essay analysing this poem (remember to squeeze out all the juice of a lemon!)
Title: Analysis of 'Anthem for Doomed Youth'
3) Make a note of new class times/dates.
4) Study the new war poem material in the Paper 1 site.
2) Write an 700-800 word essay analysing this poem (remember to squeeze out all the juice of a lemon!)
Title: Analysis of 'Anthem for Doomed Youth'
3) Make a note of new class times/dates.
4) Study the new war poem material in the Paper 1 site.
Film Analysis: Dead Poets' Society
Week 1: To Do List
1) Read, read, read
2) Write a stream on consciousness every night for 20 minutes. Remember, as soon as you are aware of your thoughts (for example, you are 'thinking' about what to write, repeat the last word you wrote over and over until you find your stream of writing comes back to you.
3) Due Saturday, 8th October: Using your personal stream of consciousness, edit a section to create a 500 word passage of descriptive writing. By editing, I mean delete all the repeated words, cancel anything too personal and you may wish to add sections of writing around what you have written. So, you are going to use your stream of consciousness as a starting point for a descriptive piece of writing.
2) Write a stream on consciousness every night for 20 minutes. Remember, as soon as you are aware of your thoughts (for example, you are 'thinking' about what to write, repeat the last word you wrote over and over until you find your stream of writing comes back to you.
3) Due Saturday, 8th October: Using your personal stream of consciousness, edit a section to create a 500 word passage of descriptive writing. By editing, I mean delete all the repeated words, cancel anything too personal and you may wish to add sections of writing around what you have written. So, you are going to use your stream of consciousness as a starting point for a descriptive piece of writing.
Lesson Feedback
That was a brilliant first lesson - thank you Marina, Chahla, Ayesha, Mona and Danah!
I will write that example language analysis paragraph tomorrow and put it on the website. Also, I will set a descriptive writing question for you to answer for next Sunday.
Remember, write a stream of consciousness for at least 20 minutes every night and make sure you keep reading every day (Twilight!!).
With regards to the Wednesday lesson - I was thinking maybe we could do it after school and just go to Jimi Mall. I have four spaces in my car for those who don't have transport. The eating area would be quiet straight after school and we could just move a few tables together. Let me know what you think.
I will write that example language analysis paragraph tomorrow and put it on the website. Also, I will set a descriptive writing question for you to answer for next Sunday.
Remember, write a stream of consciousness for at least 20 minutes every night and make sure you keep reading every day (Twilight!!).
With regards to the Wednesday lesson - I was thinking maybe we could do it after school and just go to Jimi Mall. I have four spaces in my car for those who don't have transport. The eating area would be quiet straight after school and we could just move a few tables together. Let me know what you think.
Lesson 1
Saturday, 1st October
Al Ain Oasis Villas
100 dhs (1 hour, 30 minutes)
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Al Ain Oasis Villas
100 dhs (1 hour, 30 minutes)
6.00pm - 7.30pm
Forum Members
You will see on the black bar above, there is a forum where we can discuss all different aspects of the course. However, you will also be able to see that there are already a number of members who have apparently joined.
I used a weebly forum last year and these members have automatically saved and I have no idea how to delete them even though it is a different site.
So, for now, you will just have to ignore these members and their pictures and just pretend they are not there until I figure out a way to delete them!
I used a weebly forum last year and these members have automatically saved and I have no idea how to delete them even though it is a different site.
So, for now, you will just have to ignore these members and their pictures and just pretend they are not there until I figure out a way to delete them!
Welcome!
If you are reading this then well done on showing your commitment to the AS English Language course.
This website will allow us to communicate with each other outside 'class' times. Obviously, at the moment it is very sparse but as the weeks progress, this website should (hopefully) be something you can study from and will be the next best thing after speaking in person. It also means that if I think of something important during the week, I can post it on here straight away rather than wait until our next session. I have used websites before in the past as a teaching tool and they have all proved to be very useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about what else you would like to see on here, please let me know.
It seems you are all putting a lot of faith in me to guide you through this AS course and so, I thought it may put your minds at ease if you knew something about me!
I am British - I was born in Coventry, England. After taking my A Levels (I earned an 'A' in English Literature), I took a 'gap year' and travelled to Ghana, Africa where I worked on a national newspaper. Upon returning, I went to Cardiff University to study English Literature and then continued on to be awarded my MA in English Literature. Following this, I studied at Warwick University for my Secondary PGCE in English with drama....and then I became a teacher!
This is my fifth year of being a qualified teacher. I obviously taught in the UK before coming out to work in Al Ain at Emirates National School (Boys School). I was at ENS for two years and then came to Al Dhafra where I am in the Primary and Secondary English departments.
What I miss the most about teaching in the UK is working with the higher grades. I was responsible for teaching English Language and English Literature GCSEs and also I had one English Language and Literature A2 class and two English Language and Literature AS classes. The examination boards are different internationally but the basics are exactly the same.
I hope knowing my background gives you some confidence in what we are about to do. What I think is so impressive about all of you is that you are choosing to do this completely of your own free will. I wish when I was your age I had that kind of motivation and focus!
I will add to this website daily, so please make sure you get in a routine of checking it as part of your studies. Also, show it to your parents and family to help involve them in what you are doing - the more they know, the more they will be able to support you and talk to you about the course.
See you very soon, Stephanie
This website will allow us to communicate with each other outside 'class' times. Obviously, at the moment it is very sparse but as the weeks progress, this website should (hopefully) be something you can study from and will be the next best thing after speaking in person. It also means that if I think of something important during the week, I can post it on here straight away rather than wait until our next session. I have used websites before in the past as a teaching tool and they have all proved to be very useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about what else you would like to see on here, please let me know.
It seems you are all putting a lot of faith in me to guide you through this AS course and so, I thought it may put your minds at ease if you knew something about me!
I am British - I was born in Coventry, England. After taking my A Levels (I earned an 'A' in English Literature), I took a 'gap year' and travelled to Ghana, Africa where I worked on a national newspaper. Upon returning, I went to Cardiff University to study English Literature and then continued on to be awarded my MA in English Literature. Following this, I studied at Warwick University for my Secondary PGCE in English with drama....and then I became a teacher!
This is my fifth year of being a qualified teacher. I obviously taught in the UK before coming out to work in Al Ain at Emirates National School (Boys School). I was at ENS for two years and then came to Al Dhafra where I am in the Primary and Secondary English departments.
What I miss the most about teaching in the UK is working with the higher grades. I was responsible for teaching English Language and English Literature GCSEs and also I had one English Language and Literature A2 class and two English Language and Literature AS classes. The examination boards are different internationally but the basics are exactly the same.
I hope knowing my background gives you some confidence in what we are about to do. What I think is so impressive about all of you is that you are choosing to do this completely of your own free will. I wish when I was your age I had that kind of motivation and focus!
I will add to this website daily, so please make sure you get in a routine of checking it as part of your studies. Also, show it to your parents and family to help involve them in what you are doing - the more they know, the more they will be able to support you and talk to you about the course.
See you very soon, Stephanie