Main School
English
The English Department plays an important part in school life in many ways. Our foremost aim is to ensure that all our students are valued and achieve their full potential. In the widest sense this extends beyond examinations into a fostering of an appreciation of literature or simply the ability to communicate effectively. Practically, as with all other departments, it helps pupils achieve their absolute potential through the attainment of qualifications which will be of use to them in their future studies, and in their working lives. The examination courses we follow are GCSE English and English Literature (AQA). For more details view detailed subject options by viewing the Option Blocks webpage.
Through its integrated course of Speaking and Listening, Reading,
Writing and associated language skills, students are provided with many
opportunities for personal growth; for developing an understanding of
themselves, of others, of issues and attitudes which are important for
responsible citizenship.
It is our aim to encourage students to become independent learners who value learning with and from others. We aim to follow the National Curriculum programme of study for English in terms of the content of the course although we do not rigidly follow teaching methodologies, and sometimes more is made available to our students. Whilst we meet regularly in order to standardise our practice, the individuality of different teaching styles is valued.
Results in GCSE exams in English and English Literature have been well above the national average for many years and expectations of pupils are high. Over recent years several pupils have attained GCSE results that have placed them among the top five marks in the country.
Out of the Classroom
The
department places great emphasis on taking pupils out of the classroom
and into the living arena of poetry and theatre with regular visits to
Shakespeare’s Globe in London, Stratford, Poetry Live and trips to see
GCSE drama. In addition, events such as author visits and writing
workshops or performances by educational theatre groups are regularly
organised and pupils participate in many varied activities to take
their learning beyond the classroom.
We have recently gained a local (and national) reputation for Public Speaking, having reached the National ESU finals in London in 2005. We also enjoy a longstanding tradition of success with competition essay writing across all age ranges.
Department of English Staff
Mr Michael Brown BA PGCE Sheffield & Thames. (Head of Department)
Miss Colette Smith BA MA PGCE Ripon & St John York & Durham
Mrs Eileen Auty BA PGCE Leeds
Mr Danny Kitching BEd Carnegie
Mrs Fan Hutchison BEd JP Dunfermline