English
Faculty Overview
The National Curriculum identifies the three main areas of language learning as Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Our task as teachers of English is to allow the development of these areas of learning by providing varied, stimulating and demanding situations and experiences for our students so that each individual is encouraged to reach and maintain the highest level of attainment, commensurate with his or her ability.
The study of literature extends our students’ awareness of the world and develops their skills of critical analysis, empathy and discrimination.
It is a genuine love of language and literature that motivates us in our drive for progress. We draw from students’ own interests and experiences to give further support to lesson material in order to develop – and enjoy – English for life.
English Faculty Staff
| Mrs Gill | Director of English |
| Mr Curtis | Assistant Director of English (Acting Director of English 2023-24) |
| Mr Banks | Lead Practitioner of English |
| Miss Holmes-Shaw | Teacher of English (Acting Assistant Director of English 2023-24) |
| Miss Montague | Teacher of English |
| Ms Hilton-Flynn | Teacher of English |
KS3 English
Our school motto is the heart of our curriculum in English. Our aim is to examine the true power of words; challenging our own thinking to promote and inspire change. At KS3, our aim is to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become effective communicators enabling them to challenge societal views whilst also fostering an appreciation of how writers use language to incite and influence others.
KS4 GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature
At Key Stage 4 we follow the EDUQAS syllabi for English Literature and AQA syllabi for Language. Students will study the following set texts for English Literature: Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, an eighteen poem Equqas poetry anthology and a choice either Priestley’s An Inspector Calls or Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers. For English Language, our aim is to ensure students are exposed to a broad range of fiction and non-fiction texts spanning from pre-nineteenth century to modern day building on their skills from KS3 to become analytical, critical thinkers. We also strive to engender a love of literature and an appreciation of language which will inspire their own writing.
“I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it until it begins to shine.”
Emily Dickinson (poet)
“Words are our most inexhaustible form of magic”
Albus Dumbledore (fictional headteacher and wizard)
