English
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The aim of our English department is to open students’ eyes and imaginations to the world around them through literature and instil in them a lifelong interest in the English language and literature.
Students are supported to be intellectually curious, creative and critical and become confident in their literacy skills.
To complement classroom teaching, students benefit from our Library which houses thousands of books to support reading for both pleasure and the curriculum up to and beyond A-Levels. Our Librarian also encourages our students to join in a range of reading-related activities and events, including reading-related challenges, quizzes, competitions and book fairs as well as book award schemes. Students who take part in our Creative Writing Club have the opportunity to learn more about and explore various aspects of creative writing through regular workshops and attend an annual writing retreat.
Students also participate in a number of theatre trips and other cultural visits to promote further appreciation of literature. Key Stage Four students are additionally encouraged to participate in local and national writing competitions and Key Stage Five students also take part in several lecture days and writing workshops.
Key Stage Three
At Key Stage Three, building on Key Stage Two learning, our students are introduced to a variety of texts, from some of Shakespeare’s most famous plays to modern texts, through a thematic lens of ‘Power and Rebellion, ‘Journeys’ and ‘Other Worlds’. In this way, our students gain a strong foundation in and understanding of the diverse history of English literature, preparing them for the rigours of GCSE study.
Through their studies, students are equipped with the tools necessary to analyse texts from the genres of prose, poetry and drama and are encouraged to develop their own voice through creative writing and spoken language opportunities.
Key Stage Three Curriculum - Year 7 (Terms 3 & 4)
Key Stage Four
At Key Stage Four, English Language and English Literature are compulsory GCSE subjects for students.
For more information, please read our Key Stage Four Curriculum Choices booklet.
Ahead of exam season, we have a Year 11 Curriculum Support Timetable in place to further support students in reaching for their potential at GCSE.
Key Stage Five
At Key Stage Five, we offer English Literature and English Language and Literature as A-Level options to students.
For more information, please read our Sixth Form Course Guide.
Head of Department
Our Head of English is Miss Ellis.
For further information about our English curriculum, please contact Miss Ellis.