English

The aim of the English Department – which runs through everything we do – is to promote a love of language and literature.

In Years 7-9, pupils study a diverse range of poetry, prose and drama, including a Shakespeare play in most years. Teachers are given significant freedom to choose their own texts for these year groups. In this way, they are able to deliver materials according to their particular strengths and interests, resulting in inspirational teaching. We are proud of the variety of texts we teach, and the historical range which they cover: from Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to plenty of novels written since 2000.

We currently follow the Pearson IGCSE English Language (4EA1) and Pearson IGCSE English Literature (4ET1) courses in Year 10 and 11.

We are fortunate to be able to offer two post-16 courses within the department: OCR A-level English Language H470, and OCR A-level English Literature H472. Pupils are able to take both courses if they wish.

Outside the classroom, the English Department offers students numerous ways in which to develop their creativity, interest and skills. Popular activities we offer are: debating, creative writing opportunities, Middle School and Sixth Form Book Clubs - in partnership with local schools - author visits, LitSoc and 'Dust and Monsters' (a Lower School club for talks on a wide range of personal interest topics).

Our love of books, and language, and the opportunities that they offer us to explore what it is to be a person and our place in society, are central to our ethos, and to our passion for what we do.