English

Never in the history of education has English been a more important subject. We live in an era that has seen letter-writing diminish whilst text-messaging with all its ingenious shortcuts has become a teenage 'rage'. Meanwhile we are constantly bombarded by newspaper headlines bemoaning the semi-literacy of many university students.

Apart from achieving outstanding exam results, Loughborough boys are actively taught to speak clearly and incisively, with a natural confidence – and equally to produce writing of high quality. Nobody leaves this department without those vital life skills that apply whatever career a boy might choose.

In our literature studies we explore a wide range of work from Shakespeare to Adrian Mole via Charles Dickens and Linton Kwesi Johnson. We find that the quality of our academic results flows from the enjoyment and enthusiasm that we develop in all pupils. There is a extensive programme of language support while budding journalists gather each Thursday to produce the Sixth Form newspaper Vox.

Alongside these and available throughout a student's time at Loughborough are our debating societies. Of course this is fun yet its importance cannot be over-stated in the process of creating fully-rounded literate and articulate young men. Winning arguments have to be researched before they are finally delivered to the House, so the process contains value beyond the obvious opportunity to gain confidence in public speaking.

Boys enjoy opportunities to explore Creative Writing both in and outside the classroom. English at ll levels ecourages creative approaches. The annual National Poetry Day competition invites boys to be inventive and they enjoy seeing their work displayed and published. The Senior Creative Writing Club is important in allowing boys the freedom to play with words and develop their critical skills