Key Stage Three
A wide range of literature is read, from the sad truth of “The Diary of Anne Frank” to the frightening “Lord of the Flies”.  We are constantly changing the books and including fresh material.  Our new novel for Year 8 next year is “Montmorency” by E. Updale which has won many awards.  In addition we explore a wide range of non-fiction and media texts and this is supported by a lot of interactive and group work in which pupils are encouraged to express opinions and debate contemporary issues including bullying and family life.

GCSE
At GCSE pupils have the opportunity to study English Literature as well as English Language thus giving some pupils the opportunity to delve further into various and contrasting works of literature including Blood Brothers by Willy Russell, To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee and Macbeth by William Shakespeare. At GCSE three main skill areas are focused on; Reading, Writing, and Talking and Listening

A-Level
In lower sixth the study of Shakespeare is continued with an in-depth analysis of King Lear and pupils read and complete their coursework module on Hawthorne’s novel; The Scarlett Letter or Shelly’s Frankenstein. Students are also able to increase their knowledge of poetry with the study of Robert Frost’s collective works as well as this pupils are given the chance to study a twentieth century drama of T. Williams’s Street Car Names Desire.

In upper sixth the pupils are able to develop their analytical and critical skills with the study of Edith Wharton’s 19th Century look at a late 18th century society in Age of Innocence. In contrast to this novel the students are encouraged to compare and contrast the modern tragedy of Millar’s “Death of a Salesman” with the classic Greek tragedy “Oedipus.” They also broaden their knowledge with the varied study of unseen poetry supported by the study of “The Wife of Bath” by Chaucer.

Our numbers at AS and A2 are very encouraging.  Studying at this level develops the pupils’ analytical, critical, empathetic and communication skills.

To Follow

Teachers: Mrs. Jackson (HoD), Mr Graham Mr Hunniford and Mr McDowell

 

 

Links
CCEA – English at GCSE specification - www.rewardinglearning.org.uk

CCEA – English Literature at GCSE and A-Level - www.rewardinglearning.org.uk