English
Acting Head of English:
Katrina Harrell
Our aim is to develop
ability, confidence and
pleasure in the English
language expressed in the
written and spoken word.
We seek to develop
critical thinkers; able
to evaluate the opinions
of others and promote
their own ideas based on
sound evidence. Further,
we recognise and
emphasise the importance
of accurate expression
and appropriate style in
all forms of
communication. Activities
as diverse as
storytelling, discussion,
debate or role-play
underpin an increasingly
challenging literary
curriculum, which
includes Shakespeare and
other pre-twentieth
century texts, modern
fiction, drama, media and
texts from other cultures.
In addition the reading
and critical evaluation
of non-fiction texts is
encouraged throughout the
Key Stages.
Resources
On the Lower School site,
English rooms have use of
televisions, video
equipment and computer
facilities. Students are
encouraged to make full
use of our well-stocked
library which includes a
wide range of fiction and
non-fiction material.
Rycotewood is the centre
for English on the Upper
School site. A spacious
building with its own
cafeteria, the
flexibility of space
available provides for a
range of learning
experiences including
public speaking, drama
and other group
activities.
Innovative teachers are
our principal resource,
backed up by texts which
meet National Curriculum
and examination
requirements, as well as
meeting the needs of a
broad range of ability.
Our proximity to Learning
Support colleagues on
both sites enhances
effective communication
between student, subject
and Learning Support
facilities where
appropriate.
Key Stage 3
English is a core subject
in the National
Curriculum; all students
have two periods each
week in Years 7 and 9 and
three periods per week in
Year 8. Throughout Key
Stage 3, students are
taught in tutor groups,
developing their language
skills and gaining
experience of a wide
range of literature
including novels,
Shakespeare and pre-twentieth
century texts. The
Blackwell’s spelling
programme is one of
several strategies
employed in order to
prioritise written
accuracy. Private reading
is actively encouraged
and opportunities are
available to extend
skills in Information and
Communications Technology.
The annual Syson Public
Speaking Competition
starts in Year 7 and
students are helped to
develop their potential
in this valuable skill
within a secure and
carefully structured
framework. Progression is
continually assessed and
in Year 9, students are
prepared for the National
Curriculum Tests in
English.
Key Stage 4
In Years 10 and 11,
students receive five
lessons per fortnight for
GCSE English and English
Literature. We follow the
NEAB syllabuses, dividing
the course into units of
work which allow teachers
to select from a range of
texts. Currently, two
“fast-track”
groups are created with
the remainder taught in
mixed ability classes. A
Certificate of
Achievement, examined by
WJEC, may be recommended
for students who are
still working towards a
secure GCSE pass in
English. Final assessment
is a combination of
written coursework,
speaking and listening
assessment and
examination.
Post-16
From September 2000, we
will remain with the
Edexcel Board, offering
AS and A2 English
Literature and AS English
Language.
English Literature is a
popular choice at A Level.
Academically rigorous,
the course offers
students the opportunity
to engage with poetry,
drama and novels by a
range of authors, from
different periods.
Students are expected to
be enthusiastic and
analytical readers,
willing to undertake
independent research in
support of their studies
and beyond. Theatre
trips, study days and
academic visits enrich
the English curriculum.
The AS Language course
offers students the
opportunity of focusing
on a range of
applications of the
English language
including media,
literature, and non-fictional
writing.
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