English
As a department we are committed to developing students’ reading and writing skills to prepare them for whatever the future holds. All pupils need to be able to use English, both verbally and electronically, for academic study and to achieve their goals in life. We aim to teach every pupil to represent him or herself using the written word for a range of purposes, from an email to a prospective employer to a strong argument for a speech.
We work closely with the Library to encourage pupils to read for pleasure as well as for academic purposes. Our reading resources are constantly updated with the latest class novels; we also have the most up-to-date digital resources on iPads including eBooks for A Level Literature and several educational apps. Accelerated Reader is a programme that allows the pupils to be given recommended books that will optimise the improvement of their reading ability; in conjunction with the SENDCO and our Librarian, we are able to track pupils’ reading activity and progress in order to provide intervention, support or extension as necessary.
Courses offered:
GCSE English Language and English Literature
All students take two GCSEs, English Language & English Literature. Students read, interpret and respond to a wide range of exciting literary texts, which develop confident written and spoken language skills and sophisticated reading, interpretation and analytical skills that prepare them for A Level and beyond.
What will I learn?
Students studying GCSE will cover a range of reading material, including prose, poetry, drama and non-fiction, and will be required to write in a wide range of forms and genres. You will acquire a detailed knowledge of the themes and characters of the following exam texts.
What you may read:
- Drama: one play.
- J.B Priestley – An Inspector Calls
- Willy Russell - Blood Brothers
- Modern Text: one text.
- William Golding - Lord of the Flies
- George Orwell - Animal Farm
- Kazugo Ishiguro - Never Let me Go.
- William Shakespeare:
- Romeo & Juliet
- Macbeth
- 19th Century Novels: one text.
- Robert Louis Stevenson - The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- Charles Dickens - A Christmas Carol
- Charles Dickents - Great Expectations
As well as a poetry section.
A Level English Language
English Language
Aims of the Course
This course is suitable for those who have an interest in how and why the English language has developed in the way that it has. It is studied as a living entity from the earliest times right up to the changes which are taking place because of the technology of today. It reflects English both spoken and written in the real world and students are taught to be discriminating in their reading and aware of the manipulation apparent in many kinds of speech.
Subject Content
- Textual variations and representations
- Children’s language development
- Language diversity and change
- Language discourses
- Writing skills
- Language investigation
- Original writing
- Methods of language analysis underpin each component.
A Level English Literature
English Literature
The course develops independent and critical thought, research skills and the power to express ideas effectively and succinctly in both spoken and written forms.
Aims of the course
Anyone studying for an A Level in Literature must be an avid reader, confident and able to discuss the various issues that Literature presents. Analytical responses to poetry, prose and drama texts nurture independent and collaborative thinking together with a critical and philosophical open mindedness.
Enrichment
We offer a range of enrichment opportunities outside the classroom to inspire and expand students' knowledge of English in all key stages:
- Model United Nations (MUN) Club where pupils role-play delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees.
- Literary Society and a Creative Writing Club for all ages with a view to entering competitions.
- Theatre Trips to The Globe and other London Theatres.
- Visits for Touring Theatre Companies.
- Carnegie Awards Shadow Readers
- Trips to Bath Abbey and Stratford Upon Avon.
- Public Speaking Club
- Author talks
Mrs Halling-Brown
Head of English