English Language
In the English Department we aim to inspire by instilling in our students an appreciation of the richness and variety in language and the huge range of cultures it reflects and celebrates.
We strive for academic excellence, whilst meeting the needs of every girl.
We adopt a pupil-centred approach, enabling everyone to experience success and meet their potential. We are successful because we have high expectations of ourselves as teachers and of our Sixth Form students, ensuring fairness and equality of opportunity.
We aim to promote an ethos of respect by creating an inclusive climate in our classrooms where debate and challenge is encouraged and where everyone feels supported, valued and included.
A Level English Language
At A Level, you will study the way language operates in society, the way we use it and the way people interact. You will also explore textual varieties and how to analyse texts through concepts such as audience, purpose, genre, representation and mode. In addition, you will study the language of children and how language has diversified and changed over time.
A Level English Language involves careful analysis of written and spoken language and includes a variety of assessment styles including data analysis, discursive essays, directed writing, original writing and research-based investigative writing. You will have the opportunity to complete Non-Examination Assessments consisting of both creative writing and an in-depth investigation into a language topic of your choice.
Whilst our curriculum is driven by examination requirements at Key Stage 5, we aim to ensure that our students enjoy their lessons, are able to participate and share opinions and can interact effectively with their peers. Through the study of language, empathy skills are nurtured whilst fostering confidence and self-esteem.
Our pupils are extremely successful at A Level, achieving outstanding results: many of them go on to study both Language and Literature at graduate level, with success at some of the most prestigious universities.
Co-curricular Activities
Our Department offers a wide range of enrichment activities including:
- Public speaking
- Poetry competitions
- Creative Writing Club
- Theatre visits
- Residential visits to London
These activities enhance our students’ educational experience, whilst providing them with new opportunities to explore the world around them within the context of the subject. Ultimately, our pupils leave us armed with skills that will stand them in good stead in all walks of life.
