English Language & Literature

Course summary

The overarching aim of the English curriculum is to provide all pupils with the means to communicate effectively through the written and spoken word. Our united mission is to embed challenge, but equally to engage and foster creativity and enjoyment of English. We introduce pupils to the rich and varied literary heritage and aim to make links with contemporary fiction and non-fiction. The enjoyment of reading is central to all that we do as we strive to develop confidence and curiosity as well as a love of literature and language. At A Level, we study the English Language and Literature combined qualification which introduces students to a varied selection of prose, drama and poetry. Over the course of two years, students analyse point of view and genre in texts such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Great Gatsby before progressing on to study the poetry of Carol Ann Duffy. Underpinning all aspects of the course, is the analysis of language with particular emphasis on developed personal interpretation and insight into writer’s methods.