English
Studying English opens the door to success across the whole curriculum, helping students to gain confidence in both their oral and written communication.
The department consists of a dynamic and highly knowledgeable group of teachers who are passionate about their subject. Teaching is rigorous, challenging as well as supportive of those whose find English difficult.
Our aim is to promote a real enthusiasm for English study and to develop skills and expertise in the three subject areas of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing.
Creativity is at the heart of the curriculum and students will learn to speak and write in a range of forms and registers, developing increasing levels of sophistication and independence as they progress through the school.
At Key Stage 5, A-Level English Literature and A- Level English Language are both extremely popular subjects with classes studying the AQA specification. These are stimulating and demanding courses which are highly valued by universities and involve engaging with challenging texts and ideas. They are examined through a combination of coursework and examinations. We aim to enable students to develop incisive thinking skills, sophisticated critical acumen as well as the ability to make independent judgements. There are opportunities to join theatre trips and to attend lectures by experts in the field of literary study.
How can you support your child?
- Encourage your child to read every evening.
- Read newspapers in print or online - especially the broadsheets.
- Read a poem a week! See www.poetryfoundation.org.uk