The English department's curriculum is designed to develop discerning critical thinkers who are capable of understanding, empathising with and respecting different points of view.
"And We never sent a messenger except with the language of his people in order that he might make (the message) clear for them."
The Noble Qur’an [14: 4]
Course units expose students to challenging texts from a number of different eras, cultures, and genres, expanding their perspectives and understanding. All units include speaking and listening activities. Students are trained to produce analytical and creative written responses, and empowered with the skills to write clearly, accurately, and coherently, as well as the ability to adapt their language and style for a range of contexts, purposes, and audiences. By the end of the course, we aspire for students to be independent, articulate, and well-prepared for the next stage of their journey.
In 2024, 100% of students attained between grades 9-5 in English literature and 83% achieved between 9-7 in English language. You can see our school performance figures for 2024 GCSE exams here.
In Years 7 and 8, students are immersed into a diverse array of literary genres, forms, and voices, including Gothic poetry, Shakespeare’s plays and Dystopian fiction engaging them with fascinating ideas and themes.
Through the study of these carefully selected prose, poetry, and drama texts, we focus on developing core literacy skills, including reading comprehension, imaginative and transactional writing. Students are encouraged to think critically and express their ideas clearly through class discussions, written analysis, and collaborative projects.
Students study for two separate GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. We follow the Edexcel GCSE specification for both of these developing knowledge and skills in reading, writing, critical thinking and speaking.
The intent of the GCSE English Language course is to develop the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students will be taught to: communicate accurately, appropriately and effectively in speech and writing and to understand and respond imaginatively to what they hear, read and experience. A range of texts (fiction and non-fiction) and media will be drawn upon.
The intent of the GCSE English Literature course is to develop informed and critical responses to a range of texts in the form of prose, poetry and drama. Students will experience and explore different times, cultures, viewpoints and genres as found in literary texts.
We also provide a range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for learning enrichment. These include our school trips. Each year group has an annual, planned trip, but if other possibilities occur such during the year — like plays, temporary exhibitions, talks, workshops — additional trips are organised.
Planned trips for each of the year groups include:
Previous visits include:
