English Department

Above all, Bishop Barrington School wants their pupils to enjoy their English studies. If they do that, progress and success at both Key Stages 3 and 4 will follow.

The Department is justifiably proud both of their examination performance, but more importantly, of the achievements of all pupils studying English.

Each pupil is encouraged to set clear targets for improvement; doing this means that they can achieve their goals with recognizable progress and success.

We introduce as "rich a diet" as possible, especially in literature where Chaucer and Shakespeare are introduced early, as a foundation for enjoyment, before the rigorous of Key Stage 4 and GCSE.

Mrs.. Griffin has taught for nearly 10 years at Bishop Barrington School, however she has been making pupils suffer for 21 years. She feels as though she's been at Bishop Barrington forever. Previous employment included Houghton School, and various junior schools when her own children were younger. Having always covered English and studied English and Education at Cambridge University, she has always tried to pass on her love of the subject to her long-suffering pupils with varying degrees of success!! However, those who have left do grudgingly admit that she did a good job!

She heads the English Department, which is recognised and praised throughout the county for its ethos and respect, and, when in a different reincarnation out of school, enjoys various craft - activities (anyone want to buy a designer teddy?) and generally making life as miserable as possible for her husband and two children.

She has played a witch in two separate productions of "The Witches" by Roald Dahl at Darlington Civic Theatre - the least said about type-casting the better! Mrs Griffin has an English/Education degree from Cambridge and she considers the enjoyment of the subject to be paramount to her work. She also has an evil sense of humour, which is related to her pupils when teaching and a wide range of interests - far too many to list!

Mrs. Gent is the longest serving member of the English Department, but she has always retained her girlish charm. Although involved in School Management, teaching remains her passion. She has never been tempted to leave the close-knit Barrington "family", and the schools' nationally recognised improvements are a matter of great pride.

Mrs Hardwick joined the English Department in September 1999. Like everyone else, she has a warped sense of humour, an English Degree, and a love of her subject.

Mr S.Waldie - English Teacher

Mr Waldie started teaching at Bishop Barrington in September 2000, making him one of the newest members of staff. He had previously worked extensively in the further education sector in Sunderland. Originally trained as an English teacher in Newcastle, he has for the past 21 years specialised in Media and Communications. Media is an important part of GCSE English syllabus and this year the school has launched a new GCSE media studies which is taught by Mr Waldie. He has an MA in Urban studies but by preference would rather be out walking on the North Yorkshire hills pursuing his other hobby, photographing clichés.

This is Mrs. Crawford's first year at Bishop Barrington. Mrs Crawford was previously employed at King James in Bishop Auckland and Seaham Comprehensive school. Mrs. Crawford went to Didsbury college of education where she completed her first initial teacher training. Later she studied with the Open University where she achieved a B.A. degree. In her spare time Mrs. Crawford enjoys cycling, swimming, walking, going to the theatre and cinema.

GCSE Answers is where you'll find answers to many of your problems with GCSE English. If you'd like some help to get the grades that you need, just visit this site for English tutorials, handy tips, help with exam techniques, and much more. Everything you need for your course and exams! The information on this site is drawn from the GCSE English syllabus published by the GCSE examining boards.

Surfing with the Bard is your Shakespeare Classroom on the Internet! There are many zones to discover including Plays, Comedies, Histories, Tragedies, Romances, and Poetry. Find out all about the Bard and his work in a fun way!

This site is an interactive, hypermedia environment dedicated to the increasingly popular understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare's plays and other works.

This site contains information on books, literature, publications, pupil and teacher resource packs, and much more, and how to obtain and purchase them.