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 all 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.

Teaching staff list:

• Miss H Campbell — Acting Head of Department and Key Stage 4 Co–Ordinator
• Miss M Field — Key Stage 5 Co—Ordinator
• Mrs J Walker — Key Stage 3 Co—Ordinator
• Mrs R Alcock — Assistant Vice Principal for Teaching and Learning
• Mrs R Waistle — Head of the MLD Department
• Mrs C Preddy — Hearing Impaired specialist
• Mrs C Lamport
• Mrs H Graham
• Mrs J Kielty
• Miss C Cordner
• Mrs B Pickersgill
• Miss H Walker
• Mr G Walters
• Mrs L Whinnerah
• Mrs S Watson
• Mrs M Muzawazi

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

Students have access to 3 courses at GCSE in the English department. They have the option of GCSE Media which they can opt for, and every student studies English. Selected students study English Literature. Students in Year 10 and 11 currently produce a coursework folder which is the culmination of the study of prose (post and pre—1914), a Shakespeare play and their own original writing. We are moving towards a modular course of study at GCSE for students in Key Stage 4 as of September 2010.

Key Stage 5

GCE English Literature (AQA)

This course comprises 6 units, 3 at AS and 3 at A2. Students complete one coursework unit in each year and 2 examined units 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 6 units, 3 at AS and 3 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.