English
English
THROUGH LITERATURE, WE SEE
In English, students explore a wide range of voices, texts and perspectives. We recognise and value the diversity of experiences students bring with them, alongside the many forms of English they speak and encounter.
Reading is both broad and purposeful, supported by the development of clear, thoughtful writing. Students learn to construct and refine their ideas through discussion, feedback and independent work, building confidence in both analysis and expression.
Learning is a time to be collaborative, playful and open-minded. In our classrooms, students develop courage, take risks and are not afraid to ask for help. In the wider world, they are able to recognise nuances in meaning, assert boundaries, and seek out alternative and multiple voices. Our classroom allows them opportunities to practice, to rehearse, to trial and error and to perfect.
WORDS IN ACTION
Like Jane Austen, we believe the study of English enriches emotional and imaginative lives. It helps students develop a deeper awareness of themselves, others and the world around them, while broadening their understanding of different experiences, periods and places.
Students think critically about language and express themselves with clarity and style across a range of forms, from essays and journalism to speeches and creative writing. Verbal communication is equally important, with opportunities for collaboration, public speaking, debate and discussion.
This is supported by a lively programme of Shakespeare workshops, author visits and creative activities, alongside popular clubs including the Fanthorpe Society, Creative Writing Club and Debating Society.
Our curriculum is reflective, dialogic and outward-looking, encouraging self-awareness, integrity and enjoyment in learning.
“Oh! It is only a novel! … only Cecilia, or Camilla, or Belinda!’ or, in short, only some work in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour are conveyed to the world in its best chosen language.
Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
In Lower College, we ‘sow the seeds’ and ‘nurture the soil’. Students are encouraged to read widely, study a rich variety of texts, develop skills of literacy and oral expression, and write for differing audiences. As students move through the school, we begin to ‘branch out’.
At GSCE, learners study both English Language and English Literature. The English Language GCSE includes writing, speaking and listening tasks, language analysis and textual comparison of fiction and non-fiction texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The GCSE English Literature course includes close study of 19th Century literature, poetry, a modern novel or drama text and Shakespeare.
From The Feed
- For Fearless
- Futures
- Thinking
- Innovation
- Enterprise
- Creativity
- Women
- Questions
- Ideas
- Friendships
- Minds
- Learning