Subject Overview

The English Faculty is situated in the main school building in three dedicated English classrooms. Here we employ both traditional and innovative methods to match the needs of all our students.

The National Curriculum identifies the three main areas of language learning as Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Our task as teachers of English is to allow the development of these areas of learning by providing varied, stimulating and demanding situations and experiences for our students so that each individual is encouraged to reach and maintain the highest level of attainment, commensurate with his or her ability.

The study of literature extends our students’ awareness of the world and develops their skills of critical analysis, empathy and discrimination.

It is a genuine love of language and literature that motivates us in our drive for progress. We draw from students’ own interests and experiences to give further support to lesson material in order to develop – and enjoy – English for life.

English Subject Staff

Mr Carroll Assistant Headteacher / Teacher of English
Miss Snowden Head of English
Miss Scott Teacher of English / House Progress Leader
Mrs Allmark Teacher of English


Key Stage 3 English

At Key Stage 3, we teach in 8 week schemes that balance a range of reading and writing skills. We assess these particular skills twice each scheme - both formatively and summatively, so that, over the academic year, we ensure a wide range of techniques and approaches have been covered. Literacy is embedded within all schemes, focusing upon developing communication and the use of standard English.

Key Stage 4 English Language and English Literature

At Key Stage 4 we follow the AQA syllabus for English Language and EDUQAS syllabus for English Literature. The course commences in the final term of Year 9 and is carefully structured in order to ensure thorough coverage of the new syllabus (grades 1-9). Each aspect of the course is covered with a formative and summative assessment, alongside full paper assessments in the December and March of Year 11 in the practice examinations.

“I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it until it begins to shine.”

Emily Dickinson (poet)