The English department aims to provide a challenging and stimulating curriculum that will enable every student to perform to the best of his/her ability. This means not only achieving the best grades possible but also equipping students to use English confidently and effectively in the wider world.

In years 7, 8 and 9 (Key Stage 3) schemes of work are based on the English National Curriculum and National Strategy English Framework. Students undertake a wide variety of activities in the main skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, with a strong emphasis on purpose and audience. Pupils receive 3 lessons per week with a set homework each week.

In year 9 pupils undertake an English S.A.T.’s exam based on study of a Shakespeare play and other fiction and non fiction texts, as well as teacher observation of their speaking and listening skills.

In years 10 and 11 students in the Upper Band follow the AQA Spec. A GCSE courses in English Language and English Literature, which count as two separate GCSE subjects. Students in the Lower Band follow the single award AQA Specification A GCSE English course. Both bands study texts such as Romeo and Juliet, Of Mice and Men and Frankenstein. Students also complete an Original Writing piece of coursework and a Media piece.

The courses are assessed by a combination of traditional examination and coursework assignments. In year’s 10 and 11 pupils in the Upper Band receive 4 lessons per week with set homework, whilst students in the Lower Band receive 3 lessons per week with set homework.

Many educational visits and extra curricula activities take place in English, including trips to Dickens World, the theatre and this year a performance, and a workshop for year 7 with the poet "Urban Spirit" on National Poetry Day. (Oct 07)