English

Key Stage 3

The teaching programme in Years 7 to 9 follows the National Framework for teaching English within the Literacy Strategy. Boys study a wide variety of literary texts, some recent, as in the Year 7 novels, 'The Windsinger' and 'Noughts and Crosses', and some traditional, such as 'Animal Farm' or 'Lord of the Flies' in Year 9. Boys in Year 9 are expected to write a Shakespeare coursework essay of 800 words and to carry out an oral task which will contribute to their end of year exam result. They will also prepare poems from a departmental anthology. These years are particularly important in encouraging pupils to experiment with and enjoy language in all its forms.

GCSE

All boys follow the AQA GCSE Specification A examinations in English Language and English Literature. Controlled Assessment tasks and external examinations are taken in both Years 10 and 11. Boys study a range of literary texts and become skilled in the analysis of poetry and the working of spoken and written language. All pupils are entered at the Higher level and some 65% obtain grades A and A*. A small minority achieve a C grade.

AS and A2

Approximately 35 boys per year choose to study English Literature at AS level and a majority of these will continue the subject to A2 and the full A Level. The subject is fully modular and pupils will complete one out of the two AS Units by January of Year 12. Similarly, A2 candidates will have completed three out of the total of four Units for the full A Level by January of Year 13. This system has favoured the motivated student and the Department is proud of its record in maximising candidates' prospects.

A number of boys choose to study English at university each year. They keep in touch and seem to enjoy this stimulating degree course.

Library

The Department co-operates closely with the School Librarian to promote reading and to find different ways of accessing information and understanding its purpose. A recent research project has considered the part played by graphic novels in the literacy debate and the library and Department take an open and positive view of this cultural form.

Extra-curricular

There is a myriad of subject-related activities which attract older and younger enthusiasts: Junior and Senior Debating Societies, Drama Clubs, Creative Writing Society, Film Club, School Newspaper. English is by no means confined to the classroom.