All pupils are taught English up to and including GCSE. From 2005/6 GCSE courses will start immediately after Key Stage 3 at the end of Year 8.

English in Years 7 to 8
In Years 7 and 8, pupils will continue to learn and develop their abilities in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. They will work with texts such as selected Dickens novels, Holes, Stormbreaker, Thursday’s Child, Coram Boy, and The Woman in Black. As well as preparing pupils for GCSE study, this work will ensure they are able to read and listen, interpret, write about and discuss topics with genuine understanding and comprehension. The aim is that pupils will reach at least level 7 by the end of Year 8.

GCSE English from Year 9
Building upon the firm foundation gained in Years 7 and 8, pupils will prepare for two GCSEs: English Language and English Literature. For English Language they will study a range of media, both non-fiction and poetry, from a variety of different cultures and traditions. For their English Literature GCSE they will work with a range of pre- and post- twentieth century poetry, prose and drama texts, including Shakespeare.

GCSE assessment
Work will be assessed via coursework and examination. Coursework continues throughout years 9 and 10, the GCSE examination takes place either in Year 10 or Year 11 depending, on the learning needs and aptitude of each individual pupil.

Enrichment activities
To enrich pupils’ experience of English we offer two extracurricular activities, a creative writing group and a reading club. In addition, we support pupils who wish to develop their reading and writing skills further, and we offer a reading and writing challenge group which is staffed by trained sixth form academic mentors.

Beyond GCSE
The school offers AS and A2 level English to sixth form students. English must be selected as a subject by those opting to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Beyond school
A firm understanding and practical abilities in English will be vital to all pupils whether they leave school seeking further education or employment. Qualifications in English will be required by students looking to enter further education. English Language GCSE, for example, is compulsory for pupils applying to University for a Medicine course. For those with a love of English there are many fascinating career paths to consider such as teaching, journalism, media and broadcasting, to name just a few.