English Language and Literature are taught throughout the school with excellent results at GCSE and A Level.
Broadly we aim to develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and to increase pupils' enjoyment in achieving well in these areas.
We aim to develop sound technical skills, increase vocabulary and powers of expression both in writing and speech and to stimulate the imagination. Our teaching is designed to enable pupils to be familiar with different types of writing, both by composing examples themselves and by appreciating examples provided in texts and other source materials.
All the girls are encouraged to read widely and an appropriate reading list is distributed to all at the beginning of each academic year. We aim to instil a love of reading, both for information and for pleasure. We provide opportunities for pupils to increase their knowledge and appreciation of a wide range of literature, from different periods and in different genres.
Classes are taught in forms in L4 and sets in 4, U4 and L5 for GCSE courses.
We aim to ensure that our younger pupils are working progressively from what was required at KS2 to what is expected at KS3. At GCSE our aim is to ensure that new skills are acquired and developed; much satisfaction and pleasure is gained from the study of literary techniques, ideas and themes, as well as from critically appreciative or imaginative responses, especially by the enthusiastic candidate.
Oral activities nurture poise, confidence and the development of individual views, and imaginative or logical ideas. For any later A Level studies, and for the wider world too, such skills should prove invaluable.
At A Level, our aim is to encourage students to read widely and independently, to explore literary texts for their own intrinsic interest and significance and to set them within their appropriate literary, cultural and historical contexts.
Teaching staff
Head: Mrs E Green
Mrs J Hughes
Mr J Owen
Mrs J Hands
Ms C Hall