The Art of Communication

The English department stimulates creativity and challenges students to try new ways of communicating and expressing themselves.  Whether through poetry in English, role playing in Drama or evaluation of film techniques in Media Studies, students find the lessons interesting and respond enthusiastically.

All lessons are delivered by subject specialists.The teachers’ love of their subject is infectious and creates students who, regardless of ability, enjoy the variety in lessons and continue to improve. English is one of the most popular subjects according to the students themselves, and this positive attitude translates into great results as one of the highest performing departments.

Our Approach

Teacher expectations are high and lessons are pitched at a challenging level, then adjusted to match to students’ needs and abilities.  Students are encouraged to participate through use of group work, peer assessment, ICT, individual learning, and guided work.

The Department creates extension opportunities for Gifted & Talented students and a wide range of activities for students to experience living language and literature through visits to theatres, poetry readings, public speaking competitions, National Book Week and participation in BBC’s School News Day among others.

Key Stage 3

We offer both English and Drama at KS3.English lessons include the study of novels, short stories, poetry and plays and media texts. Students are taught to write in a range of styles for different audiences and purposes.  More importantly, they are encouraged to become confident and articulate speakers and good listeners.. All students have one drama lesson per week in the drama studio, where they can explore a variety of social situations.

Key Stage 4

There are required courses in literature and language, and students are normally entered for both GCSE English and GCSE English Literature. We also offer different learning pathways for different abilities including fast track early GCSE entry for English Language.  The Department provides achievement intervention plans on targeted under-achieving groups, such as students who have English as their second language.  At KS4 results show continuing high attainment at A*-C and A*-G.

We also offer optional GCSEs in Media Studies and Drama which are so popular that we’ve had to add extra groups to meet student demand. Media Studies explores and critiques different communications media including film, TV/video, music and magazine formats.

Resources

Department resources include:

• Interactive whiteboards in all classrooms
• AV equipment an internet access in all classrooms
• Networking relationships with other schools
• Drama studio with blackout
• Hall with full stage sound and lighting
• Departmental video editing suite