English

Welcome to the English Department, where we are committed to ensuring that all students access an English curriculum that is rich, diverse and influential and reflects the experience, thoughts and feelings of men and women from many cultures and eras.

In studying English, students develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening and this development of language skills prepares them for success in future endeavours throughout their school career and beyond.

Pupils learn to become critical readers of prose, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts. The study of English promotes understanding of how language works by looking at its patterns, structures and origins. With this knowledge, our students become confident users of language, making informed choices and adapting what they say and write in a broad range of situations.

The focus at Key Stage 3 is for students to enjoy the splendours of written and spoken English and to feel pride in their own work and the progress they make.  In addressing the core elements of reading, writing, speaking and listening in a positive and stimulating environment, foundations are laid for a successful transition to Key Stage 4. The demands of the AQA syllabus we follow are not daunting because of the groundwork completed at Key Stage 3, and students continue to enjoy the delights of a diverse range of texts and spoken language in Years 10 and 11 while completing two GCSEs in English and English Literature.

We are dedicated to achieving the best for all pupils,who consistently gain impressive results.  We believe, however, that by fostering an enthusiasm for and appreciation of the rich tapestry that is written and spoken English, our girls take with them not only qualifications they can be proud of, but much more besides.