English Language & Literature

Overview

Ms A. Wilkie - Head of English and Drama

The study of English is central to our students’ intellectual and imaginative development. We are keen to promote excellence in the delivery of the curriculum and create a culture in which students enjoy a wide range of literature and consider it normal to speak and write with confidence about a range of ideas.

In Years 7 to 8 students are taught in form groups to develop increasing sophistication and grammatical accuracy in the key skills of speaking and listening, reading and writing. Our schemes of work embrace poetry, drama and prose, both modern and pre-twentieth century. A Shakespeare play is studied in Year 7 with an opportunity to see a performance at the Globe Theatre.

We are particularly keen to foster an enthusiasm for reading and work closely with the Librarian. There is a Debating Club; poetry competitions and visits by poets; theatre visits, enrichment days and the opportunity to take part in Lamda.

Year 9 marks a transition to focus on the skills of literary analysis and formal essay writing necessary for Key Stage 4. Building on students’ enthusiasm and experience we extend the difficulty of the texts studied whilst maintaining creativity and intellectual stimulation. We are keen to extend the range and ambition of our students’ reading.

Students in Years 10 and 11 follow two interwoven courses in English, which result in the award of two separate GCSE grades. We currently follow the OCR specification for English Language and Edexcel for English Literature. We aim to make our students articulate, analytical, clear and concise writers who are confident communicators.

In the Sixth Form students pursue the OCR Specification; a traditional, highly academic A Level Literature course that enhances their breadth of reading and analytical skills. There is an opportunity for re-creative work in the AS coursework and extended independent study at A2. Classes benefit from having the guidance of two teachers and much of the course is achieved through class discussion, complemented by student presentations and essay writing.  Our cohort enjoys a gender balance that encourages mature, sophisticated discussion. 

English Curriculum Summaries

Assessment Process

Assessment and Feedback Process - Years 7 - 13

Wider reading suggestions for Students of English

100 English Reading Suggestions

KS3 Reading Suggestions for keen readersKS3 Reading Suggestions for reluctant readersKS5 - English Reading Suggestions

Students may also find some inspiration for some Summer reads via the following: EMC Summer Reads 

Congratulations to our Poet Laureates for 2023/24: Micah Sedgwick and Usri Iyer will be sharing this role. 

Our Poet Laureates are commissioned to write a minimum of three poems during the year responding to School events chosen by the Poet.

The Role of the Poet Laureate is to create a record of our times and to promote unity.