English

Our aim is to stimulate lasting student curiosity, interest and enjoyment in English. Additionally, we aim to equip our students with the ability to analyse and evaluate language as well as fostering and encouraging a life-long appreciation of literature. We actively encourage our students to read widely in order to experience a wealth of fiction and non-fiction, and library lessons complement students’ development in reading.

Key Stage 3

Students study writing skills including writing to inform, persuade and analyse as well as creative writing. A variety of texts including Shakespeare, pre and post- 1914 literature and non-fiction are studied through schemes of work developed in accordance with the National Strategy. Students are enabled to develop in reading, writing and speaking and listening through tasks which incorporate individual, paired and group work. We monitor student progress closely through assessments which are levelled according to National Curriculum.

Key Stage 4

All students study AQA English Language and English Literature GCSE specifications. The English Language course allows students to investigate and analyse language and, to experiment and use language creatively. Students will experience Literature drawn from a range of contemporary and modern texts. The course focuses on a skills-based approach to the study of Literature. This enables students to make “fresh” and individual responses to each element of assessment. Assessment is made through controlled assessment tasks and examinations taken at the end of Year 11.

Key Stage 5

English Language (AQA) and English Literature (OCR) A-Levels are offered. In English, there is an emphasis on developing skills in descriptive linguistic analysis, focusing on a wide range of texts produced for a number of different purposes and audiences. Coursework involves creative and analytical elements. English Literature includes the study of a range of pre and post-1914 literature incorporating coursework where students have some flexibility in choosing texts.

Enrichment Opportunities

This Faculty offers students many enrichment opportunities. We organise a whole school poetry competition, debating competitions in Key Stages 3 and 4, take part in Rotary Youthspeaks events and participate in the local heats of The Times Spelling Bee competition. To challenge our Gifted and Talented English students, we host a number of courses and organise visits to A level conferences. Theatre visits and workshops are arranged to supplement core curricular study. Other extra-curricular activities include seven weekly workshop sessions which are voluntarily attended by students from all year groups.