English

The aim of the English Department is to guide pupils towards a confident and critical appreciation of English language and literature as well as an enjoyment of the subject.

The skills taught by the Department are of central importance for the curriculum as a whole, and are essential for successful personal and professional development. The Department embraces the use of ICT to improve the quality and presentation of written work.

The requirements of the OCR Board are met at GCSE for English and English Literature, and for WJEC at Advanced Level for English Literature. The Department also offers Film Studies at AS and A2 Level, following the WJEC Syllabus.

Years 7, 8 and 9
For Years 7, 8 and 9 the Department follows its own syllabus at this level, which seeks to develop the pupils’ confidence in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, through lively activities and exercises as well as the study of appropriate and demanding texts. Shakespeare, poetry, a wide variety of prose fiction and plays by other dramatists are all taught to this age group. Private reading is also actively encouraged by regular and careful use of the library, as well as the production of book reviews. Pupils sit internally, the KS3 examination at the end of Year 9.

GCSE
All pupils are entered for GCSE English and English Literature in Year 11, and are expected to produce four pieces of written coursework, as well as a variety of oral presentations. There are two examinations in English, which are worth 60% of the total mark, and one examination for Literature, which is worth 70% of the total mark. The remainder of the marks are awarded through the assessment of the coursework. An extra revision programme is available in school in the Easter and Summer terms.

The Sixth Form
The Department offers the study of literature at AS and A2, and the course is structured through the study of four components, three in the first year and two in the second. These are assessed by a combination of examination and coursework, and require a detailed, rigorous and analytical approach to the study of literature. Emphasis is also placed on the historical and cultural contexts of literary texts, as well as the exploration of different critical approaches.

The Department also offers Film Studies at Advanced level, which examines the role of films in society, as well as enabling students to analyse texts and examine the concepts that underpin their meaning. This is also taught through four components that are assessed by examination and coursework. The Department has its own in-house editing facility and pupils are encouraged to make and edit their own short films.

Extra-curricular
The Department embraces a wide range of activities that further its aims in the classroom. These include regular extra lectures on aspects of literature as well as attending external lectures in London. It also produces plays, which add to the pupils’ enjoyment and appreciation of literature, as well as organising visits to the theatre, when appropriate.

Two members of the Department teach GCSE Latin as an extra-curricular activity.