Situated on the second floor the department has eight classrooms, one large store and an English office. All classrooms have a data projector which allows the use of films where relevant and background information for particular texts. All classrooms also have the Soundfield system which English teachers use for all classes to ensure that every student has the best possible opportunity to hear clearly.

Each classroom has a small class library which is a resource for the KS3 reading lessons.

Course Outline/Overview

Key Stage 3

Students study a full range of poetry, drama and prose over the three years. There is also a keen emphasis on improving their literacy skills to enable them to access their studies across the curriculum. Students are formally examined in reading, writing and speaking each year in addition to assessments across the year to assess specific assessment focuses. All lessons are aimed at providing a sound basis for GCSE study.

Key Stage 4

GCSE ( Edexcel)

Students have access to 3 English courses at GCSE. Some students study English, with selected students also having the opportunity to take a GCSE in English Literature alongside their GCSE in English Language. Students follow a modular course of study at GCSE with Controlled Assessments that combine with Speaking and Listening assignments and examinations to give an overall grade.

GCSE MEDIA

GCSE Media is taught as a separate option within the English department. It involves in-depth study of modern media, such as Print, TV, Film, Radio and Web-Based technology. The course is assessed in two parts: students investigate a pre-released topic eg. TV Crime Drama, before sitting an unseen examination; the rest of the course is made up of three coursework assignments, the final one of which is the creation of a fully realised media text. This could be a short film, magazine or radio programme. Students will evaluate the success of their production in light of the real world of the media.

Key Stage 5

GCE English Literature (AQA)

This course comprises 4 units, 2 at AS and 2 at A2. Students complete one coursework unit in each year and 1 examined unit per year. Texts build on knowledge gained at GCSE and include pre 1914 Drama, poetry and prose as well as modern prose.

GCE English Language (AQA)

This course comprises 4 units, 2at AS and 2 at A2. At AS, students complete two pieces of original writing aimed at the audience of their choice as part of the coursework unit. They also study language and technology, language and gender and language and power. At A2, they complete a language investigation on the topic of their choice, as well as the study of the language acquisition of children and language change over time