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, boys study a diverse range of poetry, prose and drama, including a Shakespeare play each year. 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, the result of which is inspirational teaching. We are proud of the very wide range 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.
From September 2021, we will follow AQA GCSE English Language 8700 and English Literature 8702.

We are fortunate to be able to offer two post-16 courses within the Department: OCR A Level English Language H470, and Pre-U English Literature 9765. Boys are able to take both courses if they wish.

Outside of the classroom, the English Department offers boys numerous ways in which to develop their creativity, interest and skills. Popular activities we offer are: debating, creative writing, book groups – one in partnership with other schools – talks and seminars, Sitcom Club, and Dust and Monsters (Lower School presentations).

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