English Department
English is an innovative and highly valuable subject. The department is fully resourced with the latest equipment and texts and staffed with imaginative and enthusiastic teachers. The department offers an exciting and modern approach to the subject, with an increasing use of ICT and multimedia.
Staff and responsibilities
- Miss N McLean – Head of Department
- Ms M Holian – Key Stage 4 Co-ordinator
- Miss J Brooks - Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator Head of Drama
- Mrs A Rutherford – Head of York House
- Ms J Sweeting – Head of Ripon House
- Mrs C Johnston
- Miss L Tait
- Mr P Mc Adam
- Mr J Goodwill
- Mr C Brady
The department believes that variety is the key to full and valuable learning. Pupils are also encouraged to learn independently. We offer several activities, including educational visits and participating in ‘Readathon’ and ‘Creative Writing’ competitions. Students are offered a broad and diverse curriculum, developing and expanding skills through both Key Stages.
Key Stage 3
Pupils are formally assessed at the end of each year, culminating in their Key Stage 3 SATS. learning includes:
- Pre and Post 20th Century Prose and Poetry
- Media – newspapers, internet, magazines, television, film and advertising
- Shakespeare
- In depth studies of both fiction and non-fiction texts
- Writing techniques, styles and purposes, including creative writing
- Speaking and Listening
- Drama
Key Stage 4
Pupils are assessed in both English Language and English Literature specifications, culminating in the award of two separate GCSE qualifications.
Learning includes:
- Response to Media and Non-fiction text
- Shakespeare
- Pre and Post 20th Century Pros
- Pre and Post 20th Century Poetry and Poetry from other cultures and tradition
- Writing techniques, style and purposes, including original writing
- Analysis of Media texts
- Speaking and Listening