English is…
The value of English in the curriculum? What can I say? Without English, nothing. And without good English, nothing very well.
Anne Fine, Author
English is the language of the future, the language of the computer. English is the most important tool you’ll ever need, no matter what career you choose. You have the right to English. Make it your right!
Benjamin Zephaniah, Poet, Writer, Actor, TV & Radio Presenter
A good book, studied with a good English teacher, takes you on a journey in search of answers to the crucial questions in life you didn’t even know you wanted (or needed) to ask.
Professor Lisa Jardine, Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London
Studying English literature at school was my first, and probably my biggest, step towards mental freedom and independence. It was like falling in love with life.
Ian McEwan, Novelist
[Taken from ‘The National Curriculum for England’, DfEE, QCA]
The teaching of English has experienced a number of developments over recent years, extending the concepts and range of what students study within this area of the curriculum.
Central to the work of the English department is developing students’ sensitivity to language. Today’s students need to become effective communicators and understand how language can be used to inform, entertain and persuade.
Students here are therefore given opportunities to work with a wide range of texts in order to develop their communication skills in a variety of situations and for different purposes and audiences.
In both Key Stages equal weighting is given to each of the three areas of attainment identified in the National Curriculum: speaking and listening, reading and writing.
At the same time we are keen to prepare our students for the National Attainment Tests in year 9, their GCSE examinations at the end of year 11 and post-16 education. All students have the opportunity to leave the college with GCSE qualifications in English and in English Literature.
All English classes are setted to reflect students’ needs. Data from KS2 and KS3 tests are used to determine placement as well as teacher assessment. The constant appraisal and mobility between sets is seen as a positive measure.
An APP (Assessing Pupils Progress) file is collated using pupils assessment tasks to track pupils progress from Year 7 to Year 11. Staff regularly consult and use assessment data to ensure that each child is taught in the group which is most suited to their ability and aptitude.
What we ask of our students is that they participate in their learning, organise themselves to complete classwork, homework and coursework and act respectfully towards others and their environment.