The English Department

Department Overview

The first three years at the college are years in which solid academic foundations are laid. With the emphasis on enjoyment of literature and creative writing and the acquisition of basic skills, English lessons are wide-ranging and frequently reflect the interests of the pupils, current affairs (and the teachers’ interests too!) Lower school pupils have one discrete drama lesson per week in which they are encouraged to communicate, negotiate, coordinate and perform using English. All pupils in forms one to five are expected to carry with them a reading book and all classes in the lower school begin with a brief period of reading. Reading is actively promoted and considered crucial to the pupils’ linguistic development. In the third form pupils move on to study at GCSE level and examinations are offered in both English language and English literature, most pupils sitting higher tier exams at the end of the two-year course. At GCE A level English literature is offered. Universities seem particularly keen to take students that have demonstrated their analytical skills and shown ability in clear and concise expression at A level. Help is available to those who have difficulties with reading, writing and organisation through the learning support department with which we work very closely. The ESL department supports any pupil whose first language is not English.

Facilities

Housed in two separate areas, the English department is fortunate to have, in the Beckly Wing of main school, a drama studio, with whiteboard facility that can be used as a lecture theatre; a small teaching room for sixth form tutorials and two further classrooms in the ‘cedar block’ area of school. All classrooms have Internet and intranet facilities and are bright, attractive spaces where students and pupils should feel comfortable and ready to learn. The library is on the ground floor in Beckly Wing and the librarian, Mrs Welby, is very helpful, not only finding texts for pupils, but ordering them from the county library with which we have a borrowing arrangement.

In the Classroom

The expectation is that pupils will work hard to master essential skills. Even scientists and mathematicians communicate using English, so it is vital to be proficient in language! Exercise books should be kept tidily and each piece of work undertaken conscientiously. Spelling, handwriting and presentation is important, but we value other aspects of creative work too.

GCSEs

GCSE English and English literature The syllabus offered at GCSE level is AQA. Coursework is submitted in a joint file for those pupils wishing to achieve separate GCSE passes in language and literature. The course is examined in three strands, one of which is coursework based. Most pupils are entered at Higher Tier.

AS Level

GCE English literature In order to undertake this one year course successfully a student should be committed to reading widely and thinking analytically about the manner in which texts of different genres are constructed both now and historically. The AS syllabus is that of Edexcel and comprises three units, one of which is normally coursework. AS level English literature must be completed satisfactorily before a student moves on to A2 level English literature.

A Level

GCE English literature The A2 English course offers another three units for which different types of literature and periodic genre are studied. However, the A2 is designed to develop further the skills of literary analysis and introduce literary theory. Selected texts are close read and there is an ’unseen‘ question in the final examination.

Beyond the Classroom

Our emphasis is on promoting enthusiasm and we work hard to facilitate and foster pupils’ interests. Teachers adopt a variety of strategies to maintain curiosity and commitment, including team teaching, class discussion, project work, role play and hot seating, as well as more formal approaches. Debating skills are encouraged from an early age and are put into practice with class debates, inter-house and inter-school competitions. Confidence gained from participation stands pupils in good stead for the compulsory Speaking and Listening section of their GCSE course. Project work includes poetry writing, short story production and mini-magazine/newspaper work. We participate in ‘Readathon’ and pupils are encouraged to make use of the facilities of our library and internet sites.