The English Department

The English Department offers an exciting curriculum.  Students study a range of appealing texts from a variety of genres, cultures and eras.  Studying English provides the opportunity to be creative and express your opinions.  Lessons offer a combination of interactive activities, individual work and even drama.  The teachers are enthusiastic and committed to encouraging young people to achieve well.

Students entering Key Stage 4 now benefit from studying the new GCSEs in English Language and English Literature.  The new GCSEs provide an interesting and varied programme of study which allows students to learn about modern topics such as the spoken word, which incorporates the way language is used in television and film, as well as a range of novels and plays.

Teachers ensure that students are made aware of their levels or grades early in the year to ensure that they know how well they are doing and how they can improve.  This allows students and parents to be involved in their learning and achievement and provides students with the best chance to achieve their potential and beyond.

As a department, we are keen to ensure that all students receive the support they need to enable them to achieve to the best of their ability.  We provide focused support for students who require  intervention through our Lexia programme which assists students who need to develop their skills in reading.  We also run a variety of target groups for students who need to improve their reading and writing skills.  

The English Department is also committed to ensuring that students’ progress is not limited to their work in lessons.  In addition to the excellent curriculum provided for students during the school day, there is also a variety of clubs which students can benefit from.  Those who enjoy reading can come to the “Rapid Readers’ Club” where students can share their love of literature with others by discussing  their opinions about books they have read and writing reviews to recommend books to other students.   

This year, the department has begun an exciting new venture by creating a school newspaper.  This is run by sixth-form students  and is facilitated by a teacher to allow students to express their views on current events and develop their skills in media.

The English Department seeks to provide a rich and varied education for all students and strives to provide them with the opportunity to achieve in every way.

Ms Sam, Subject Leader for the English Department