University Research - Year 10/11 Entry Level English Certificate

[Nelleh]

I am conducting research into the importance (or not) of students pursuing the English Certificate learning about the same material (Of Mice and Men, Macbeth etc) as their peers - albeit a differentiated or alternative (film) version.

At my school, the 'English Certificate' course is provided for students who would not achieve a grade at GCSE. In a recent pilot, associated with this research, the students were guided to research the context, plot and characters of 'Of Mice and Men'. They reported that studying the same material as their peers made them feel 'the same'. It is my personal belief that this type of exposure increases their cultural awareness, social inclusion and self esteem.

However, research amongst my 'English' (as opposed to PE, Drama etc) peers at university and contacts in a number of other mainstream secondary schools, I discovered mine was the only school to offer the English Certificate to students. My research sample was not broad but at the other schools students sat GCSEs or nothing.

I would welcome comments from students, parents teachers and TAs familiar with the Entry Level English Certificate or who have comments to make which would be valuable to my research; particularly relating to the provision of the certificate, or not, the quality of provision and the value to the students.

Thank you.