English

The  English department at KS3 broadly follows the national curriculum guidelines but builds in greater flexibility and opportunities for deeper engagement with a wider range of texts.

Objectives in the key skills of speaking and listening, reading and writing are set and progress is assessed in a regular and rigorous fashion.

At GCSE the department follows the AQA specification 4705 for language and 4710 for literature.

The OCR specifications H071 and H471 English Literature are followed for AS and A2 respectively. These units allow for the study of a wide range of contemporary and traditional texts whilst focusing on the central skills underpinning literary scholarship.

The department is well-stocked with a wide variety of texts, textbooks, audio-visual and other resources and has access to an excellent school library. Teaching takes place in characterful and purposely-equipped rooms.

The department encourages extra-curricular visits to relevant theatre productions or exhibitions and enters teams of public speakers in local and national competitions. The department runs a selection of lunchtime activities, including a Year 7 reading club and a debating club.

Suggested reading lists for each Year Group.