English
Literature
We teach both Language and Literature up to GCSE, thereafter Literature at A Level. Our excellent results are underpinned by an exciting set of courses that tackle real-world issues like the eco-crisis, diverse cultures, life in the 21st Century.
We study plays, poems, fiction, non-fiction… from the drama version of Frankenstein to Private Peaceful, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge and Ibsen’s A Doll’s House to The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird…
Public speaking and debating competitions, as well as creative writing competitions and Poetry By Heart recitals, feature across the year.
There is also more traditional academic rigour in the form of structured, timed assessments in readiness for examination excellence. The study of literature and language helps to foster thoughtful, kinder pupils who are prepared to engage with word and world. We love teaching them!
Speak to our pupils. Chat to our English prefects in the L6th Form who help to judge competitions and support one-to-one reading sessions with pupils in the 1st and 2nd Forms. Ask our pupils what they know, think, feel… We are continually surprised by their expressive power and emotional intelligence. They are our department’s best ambassadors – and a credit to the school!
