The English Department is based in a suite of four adjoining rooms
in a recently built teaching block. This allows for excellent
communication between staff and convenient access to all teaching
resources and IT facilities. The teacher in charge of the library, who
is also a full-time English teacher, is based in a room adjoining the
library.
The school structure groups boys into two mixed ability bands known as Test and Itchen. They are setted broadly according to ability from there. In the Lower School, students study English for three fifty minute periods, while in the Upper School this increases to four periods for all pupils.
Pupils in the Upper School follow the popular and superbly resourced AQA ( previously NEAB ) syllabus. The department works hard to ensure that all boys are entered for both Language and Literature qualifications.
Pupils with Special Needs, including the most able, receive in-class support from the Special Needs Department with which the English Department maintains close links.
It is an increasing responsibility of the Faculty to deliver elements of Information Technology for which we are well-resourced.
The Faculty prides itself on its varied selection of texts which include modern and classical writers. It teaches half-termly units of work, which are constantly being reviewed and improved in accordance with new Government orders and according to our own shared 'best practice'.
As a faculty, we are keen to give our pupils experience of live drama performances and to this end we regularly invite theatre groups to perform in our school hall. It is also our policy to offer trips out school where possible. The school magazine, run by members of the department, is of high quality and reflects the interests of the boys.
The Faculty is a caring and supportive team, and our OFSTED report
indicated that this was one of the strengths that had led to its
success.
We are dedicated to the task of unlocking each boys' potential and, in
fostering their communication skills, empowering them for life.