English
The aim of the English Department is to enable all students to communicate and comprehend the English Language and to foster an enjoyment of reading.
Curriculum
Ks3
Students are taught English in mixed ability groups in Years 7 and have 3 x 50 minute lessons per week. Year 7s also have one 50 minute library lesson. In Years 8 and 9, students are taught English in mixed bands for Humanities and Languages and have 4 x 50 minute lessons per week
KS4
In Years 10 and 11, students are taught in ability groups for English. All girls study English Language and English Literature. Depending on option choices, GCSE students will have either 4 or 5 x 50 minute lessons per week. We follow the AQA GCSE syllabus for both Languages and Literature.
KS5
We follow the AQA B specification for English Literature, which ia a 2 year linear course. There are approximately 15-20 students in each group in years 12 and 13. Students have 5 x 50 minute lessons per week
Accommodation/Resources
There are 4 dedicated English classrooms, two of which are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards, whilst two are equipped with projectors. We have a range of technology for use in the department, including digital cameras, video cameras, Kindles and stand-alone televisions and DVD players. A wide range of texts and text books are used in teaching across the spectrum.
Visits/Extra Curricular:
The Rotary Club public speaking group competes yearly in local and regional competitions. Year 9 visit the Warner Brothers Studios yearly to participate in Media activities within the Harry Potter Studios. Year 7 and 8 participate in a sponsored reading challenge each year. Theatre visits are regularly organised, including a yearly visit to the Globe Theatre. Gifted and Talented workshops are regularly organised for all years. GCSE and A-level Revision classes are organised.
Further Information
To study A-level English Literature, students must gain at least a B-grade in GCSE English Literature and English language.