English
About the Department
About the Department
The English Faculty understand that our subject holds a pre-eminent place in education, and in society, and so hope to empower the students that we teach with a profound appreciation of the spoken and written word. We are a dedicated team of ten experienced teachers who strive to foster a passion for Language and Literature through the provision of a culturally enriching, highly stimulating curriculum. During their time with us, students will be exposed to both rich literary heritage classics and compelling modern texts that prompt readers to respond critically, imaginatively and empathetically to the world around them. We envisage that the delivery of a challenging, dynamic and enjoyable curriculum will equip our students with the discernment to maturely interact with authorial intention, question the concepts presented to them and communicate their observations fluently beyond the classroom. Above all, we recognise that a sense of ownership, pride and achievement should underpin our students’ experience of English, and so endeavour to inspire and instil a sincere love of learning within a nurturing and supportive environment.
The English Faculty understand that our subject holds a pre-eminent place in education, and in society, and so hope to empower the students that we teach with a profound appreciation of the spoken and written word. We are a dedicated team of ten experienced teachers who strive to foster a passion for Language and Literature through the provision of a culturally enriching, highly stimulating curriculum. During their time with us, students will be exposed to both rich literary heritage classics and compelling modern texts that prompt readers to respond critically, imaginatively and empathetically to the world around them. We envisage that the delivery of a challenging, dynamic and enjoyable curriculum will equip our students with the discernment to maturely interact with authorial intention, question the concepts presented to them and communicate their observations fluently beyond the classroom. Above all, we recognise that a sense of ownership, pride and achievement should underpin our students’ experience of English, and so endeavour to inspire and instil a sincere love of learning within a nurturing and supportive environment.
What will your child learn in year seven?
What will your child learn in year seven?
We have designed a broad and engaging Year 7 curriculum that develops the key reading and writing skills required for more advanced study. Reading material, ranging from extracts and poems to play scripts and novel study, is selected to cultivate curiosity and provoke thoughtful, original responses from our learners. As they progress, students will become familiar with a variety of text types and genres that are organised into thematic units of study. Beginning with ‘Myths and Legends’, students investigate the role of origin stories and early depictions of the hero figure before progressing to William Shakespeare’s more complex tragic hero, Hamlet. Modern short stories with a twist, including Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected, encourage students to examine narrative structure and establish an understanding of the writer’s craft. Literature from other cultures and eras are also covered to illuminate the world we live in and extend students’ grasp of the extensive literary canon. Wider, independent reading for pleasure is facilitated through weekly library lessons and supported by the Accelerated Reader Programme. Similarly, our students learn essential writing skills that allow them to communicate successfully and confidently. When writing in response to different stimuli, we begin to see students adapting their language choices to suit context and purpose. Speaking and listening skills are promoted through regular discussion, debate, presentations and the reading of drama texts.
We have designed a broad and engaging Year 7 curriculum that develops the key reading and writing skills required for more advanced study. Reading material, ranging from extracts and poems to play scripts and novel study, is selected to cultivate curiosity and provoke thoughtful, original responses from our learners. As they progress, students will become familiar with a variety of text types and genres that are organised into thematic units of study. Beginning with ‘Myths and Legends’, students investigate the role of origin stories and early depictions of the hero figure before progressing to William Shakespeare’s more complex tragic hero, Hamlet. Modern short stories with a twist, including Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected, encourage students to examine narrative structure and establish an understanding of the writer’s craft. Literature from other cultures and eras are also covered to illuminate the world we live in and extend students’ grasp of the extensive literary canon. Wider, independent reading for pleasure is facilitated through weekly library lessons and supported by the Accelerated Reader Programme. Similarly, our students learn essential writing skills that allow them to communicate successfully and confidently. When writing in response to different stimuli, we begin to see students adapting their language choices to suit context and purpose. Speaking and listening skills are promoted through regular discussion, debate, presentations and the reading of drama texts.
How can learning progress beyond the classroom?
How can learning progress beyond the classroom?
The English Faculty are keen to extend students’ experience of Literature and spark a lifelong love of theatre by providing opportunities to attend live productions of texts studied. To consolidate their introduction to Hamlet, our annual visit to the Globe Theatre provides Year Sevens with the chance to experience Shakespeare’s work live within an inspirational, authentic setting as originally intended. The Playing Shakespeare Company consistently performs lively, colourful productions that are refreshingly modern and flawlessly pitched to cater for young playgoers. The Globe certainly lends itself to this kind of interaction and immersion, and it is probably this atmospheric setting that the students appreciate most. Similarly, GCSE theatre visits to An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol and Macbeth lift the characters from the page to the stage and create a greater feeling of involvement with the subject matter. It is our intention that students leave the theatre with a deeper understanding of how different components and dramatic conventions, including costume, lighting, sound and det design, come together to create a play.
The English Faculty are keen to extend students’ experience of Literature and spark a lifelong love of theatre by providing opportunities to attend live productions of texts studied. To consolidate their introduction to Hamlet, our annual visit to the Globe Theatre provides Year Sevens with the chance to experience Shakespeare’s work live within an inspirational, authentic setting as originally intended. The Playing Shakespeare Company consistently performs lively, colourful productions that are refreshingly modern and flawlessly pitched to cater for young playgoers. The Globe certainly lends itself to this kind of interaction and immersion, and it is probably this atmospheric setting that the students appreciate most. Similarly, GCSE theatre visits to An Inspector Calls, A Christmas Carol and Macbeth lift the characters from the page to the stage and create a greater feeling of involvement with the subject matter. It is our intention that students leave the theatre with a deeper understanding of how different components and dramatic conventions, including costume, lighting, sound and det design, come together to create a play.
Within school, we have launched a Creative Writing Club to immerse our students in the rewarding act of writing. The talented group of aspiring authors gather on a weekly basis to share innovative ideas and craft accomplished works of fiction. Our club members are always eager to recruit new students and hope to collate a portfolio of short stories and poems which we are keen to publish for the wider school community to enjoy.
Within school, we have launched a Creative Writing Club to immerse our students in the rewarding act of writing. The talented group of aspiring authors gather on a weekly basis to share innovative ideas and craft accomplished works of fiction. Our club members are always eager to recruit new students and hope to collate a portfolio of short stories and poems which we are keen to publish for the wider school community to enjoy.
What ambassador opportunities are available to your child?
What ambassador opportunities are available to your child?
The role of literacy leader is a prestigious one as it permits students to voice their ideas and act as spokesperson for their fellow peers. They take ownership over their experience of English by organising competitions, representing the faculty during public events, mentoring younger readers and offering a literacy ‘help service’ outside of lessons. We look forward to developing the role as our intake increases over the coming years.
The role of literacy leader is a prestigious one as it permits students to voice their ideas and act as spokesperson for their fellow peers. They take ownership over their experience of English by organising competitions, representing the faculty during public events, mentoring younger readers and offering a literacy ‘help service’ outside of lessons. We look forward to developing the role as our intake increases over the coming years.
