English

The English department teach all students in key stage 3 and key stage 4, with the option to continue into key stage 5, and we offer a diverse and engaging course for our students. We aim to teach students the reading, writing and communication skills that they need to succeed once they leave school and go onto higher education and work. The department achieves this, though, by teaching English in a creative manner; we allow students to express themselves through creative writing, speaking and listening activities and through reading a range of texts that are challenging and thought provoking. We also use a range of resources and multi-media technologies so that students can apply their skills in a range of situations that are relevant for them. We also offer a range of extracurricular activities such as theatre trips, drama workshops, clubs and writing competitions. Our teachers work hard to ensure that all boys enjoy their learning in their English lessons.

At key stage 3 students study the following:

·         Autobiography and Biography

·         Plays and drama

·         A Shakespeare play

·         Poetry

·         A range of non-fiction texts

·         Media studies

·         Modern novels

Students start their GCSE courses during year 9 so that they are able to take two GCSE English courses. We also give students the opportunity to take some of their exams early; this then gives them the opportunity to re-take an exam if they are not happy with their grade. We follow the AQA specification and students are assessed through a combination of public examination and controlled assessments which take place in the classroom. Students also gain a third qualification, Functional Skills, in English as well as their GCSE qualifications.

At key stage 4 students study the following:

·         A Shakespeare play

·         A modern play

·         A classic novel

·         A novel written by a writer from a different culture

·         A range of modern and traditional poetry

·         Non-fiction and media texts

·         A spoken language study

·         Speaking and listening skills

·         Creative writing

·         Adapting writing for different situations and audiences

·         A range of speaking and listening skills.

Students are encouraged to continue their English education by taking English Literature at A Level. In this course, students learn skills to prepare them for higher education and many of them continue studying English at university. Students are assessed through a combination of external examinations and coursework essays.

At key stage 5 students study the following:

·         Modern novels

·         Classic poetry

·         A Shakespeare play

·         Dramatic tragedy genre

·         Classic novels

·         Gothic genre

·         Critical theory