English and English Literature

Teaching Staff

Mrs S Berry Head of English

Mrs J Lendrum (English) Vice Principal

Mrs J Reid (English/Journalism) Senior Teacher

Mrs N Gilbert (PA/English) Head of Performing Arts

Miss A Boyd (English) TIC Literacy

Mrs J Dickey (English/PA)

Mrs S Hanna (History /English)

INTRODUCTION

Each pupil is enabled, through a varied, challenging and rich programme of study, to reach his or her potential in English, a core subject within the school’s curriculum. English is an essential subject for each person’s development and an important preparation for life that also impacts upon all other subjects. The subject’s excellent success record at GCSE and Advanced Level make it a popular choice for pupils year after year.

TEACHING AND LEARNING AIMS

In the English Department we seek

1. To empower pupils as lifelong learners whose command of language is exemplary and who gain pleasure and fulfilment from reading, writing, talking and listening.
2. To empower pupils to develop as users of language who gradually take charge of their own lives and communicate effectively with others.
3. Pupils will experience a wide variety of stimulating materials both for pleasure and for the development of a broad range of reading skills.
4. Pupils will engage in a variety of oral and listening tasks and will be encouraged to develop self-confidence and independence of thought and expression.
5. Pupils will be given frequent opportunities to write for a variety of purposes and readers. They will be encouraged to develop a range of writing skills in order to equip them as sophisticated and versatile users of language.
6. The development of core English skills will enable pupils to fulfil and enjoy cultural, artistic and social aspirations, as well as leading them into fulfilling employment opportunities which fulfil their ambitions.

KEY STAGE 3 SUMMARY

Pupils work to achieve success in: Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing while exploring and reflecting on the content and issues associated with various cross-curricular themes.

In Years eight to ten, pupils have a fortnightly period in the LRC where they read for pleasure and learn research skills. Each class also has a drama period. During the remaining periods, pupils are given opportunities to debate, role-play, use I.T., draft and edit work and develop critical skills. Each unit of work produces coursework and oral activities, the marks for which contribute to all internal examinations and pupils gain confidence in self-expression, self-management, problem solving and interaction with others. They are prepared for internal KS3 assessment and, ultimately, G.C.S.E.

Areas of Specific Focus

Reading and Writing Skills

Reading for pleasure and understanding

Language competence

Drama

An Introduction to Shakespeare

Prose and poetry

Writing in the media

GCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

All examinations will be taken at the end of year 12

GCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE

All examinations will be taken at the end of year 12

A LEVEL ENGLISH LITERATURE

YEAR 13

YEAR 14

EXTRA CURRICULAR/EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Junior Drama Club

The junior drama club is open to Years 8 – 10 and meets on a weekly basis. It is an exciting and imaginative opportunity for pupils to ‘remove the desks’ and interact creatively through a wide range of stimulating activities.

Literacy Groups

These groups meet on a weekly basis. They provide opportunities for targeted support in all areas of English and Literacy, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Theatre Trips

The English Department runs a variety of theatre trips for senior pupils throughout the year. These are used to complement and to stimulate further discussion on prescribed examination text.

Scribes

A Creative Writing Club for all age groups, taken by sixth form pupils on a weekly basis from October to April. Students will learn new skills in a fun and friendly environment which will encourage creativity and introduce new ways of using language to communicate effectively. They will enter competitions, as appropriate.

GCSE Support Group
The GCSE Support Group is for pupils in year 12. It meets on a weekly basis from January to June and provides extra help and support in English and English Literature on an individual or group basis. Revision classes are provided for all year 12 pupils before and during Study Leave. 

Public Speaking/Soroptimist Club
Aims:   Public Speaking aims to promote:

• Confidence in oral communication across a range of thought-provoking topics
• Effective speech writing strategies
• Confidence to address groups of people
• Enjoyment

Events: Public speaking is competition-based. Rather than meeting on a weekly basis, we   prepare students for competitions throughout the school year. In the past, this has led students to speak in prestigious forums such as The Council Chamber and even The European Parliament.

CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES

The study of English Literature develops skills and academic proficiency much sought after by universities and employers. Here are some of the many careers to which this subject opens doors:

• Law
• Journalism
• Teaching
• Theatre
• Librarian
• Civil service
• Speech Therapy
• Marketing
• Media
• Personnel Work
• Social Work
• And many, many more