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.