- School Departments
- • Art & Design
- • Biology
- • Chemistry
- • Classics
- • Critical Thinking
- • Creative Living
- • Economics/Business Studies
- • English
- • Food Studies
- • French
- • German
- • General Studies
- • Geography
- • History
- • ICT
- • Italian
- • Mathematics
- • Music
- • PDM
- • Psychology
- • Physics
- • Physical Education
- • Religious Studies
- • Spanish
- • Russian
- • Theatre Studies
English
|
Powerful communicators and a love of literature
We aim to enable girls:
· to become confident and proficient users of English;
· to be intelligent and discriminating readers;
· to enjoy literature and language in all its forms;
· to perform at the highest levels in English and English Literature iGCSE examinations;
· to undertake more advanced studies with confidence.
Department Profile
The English department consists of three full time members of staff and two part time. One of the Vice Principals also teaches within the department.
The department is also responsible for a number of extra curricular activities, including: Debating Society; Read and Green (Prose reading); Big Questions (junior philosophy club); Cinematic Society; Junior and Senior Creative Writing.
Curriculum
Texts taught in each of the first three years aim to cover a range of issues, periods and genres. We try to ensure that girls study at least the following each year: a Shakespeare play; a modern play; a pre 1914 prose text; a post 1914 prose text; pre and post 1914 poetry and a text from a culture other than English. These texts form the focus of our teaching and much of our additional work on language is developed within the context of these texts. In the Thirds we spend additional time focusing on various aspects of presentation, grammar and punctuation, alongside the introduction of key literary terms. In the Lower and Upper Fourth these concepts are revisited as part of a more detailed analysis of texts and the development of a critical vocabulary. At iGCSE level, all our students take both English and English Literature (Edexcel) and many continue their studies in the sixth form, taking AS and A2 English Literature (Edexcel).
In seeking to instil a love of literature and providing girls with powerful communication skills, we employ a range of teaching styles. We endeavour to create a relaxed and friendly environment within our classes in order to encourage active participation. Whole class, group and paired discussion work (with opportunities for note taking), presentations, drama activities, quiet time for reading or being read to, collaborative and independent writing tasks and IT based lessons are just some of the strategies we use.
GCSE English Video Click on the link to view a short film created by Charlotte Dawkins, Erin Hales and Sara Lo Polito from U5B. The Lady of Shalott Click on the link to view a short film created by Lucia Pitsillides and Eden Baim from L4S. |
English Blog
Please click here to view the department blog. The English department has a policy of not giving out definitive reading lists. Instead we encourage girls to approach staff on an individual basis. After careful consultation with the girl about their previous reading, along with their likes and dislikes, we then create a tailored reading list for the individual girl. We feel this is the best way of ensuring girls read for pleasure as well as for knowledge. It also provides girls with an opportunity to discuss their particular interests with a member of staff on an informal basis. We do not want girls to feel that there are "good" books and "bad" books. All reading is beneficial and contributes to an individual's growth and character. |