Our Ethos
In the English Department, we believe in enriching our students’ lives and helping them understand the complex, diverse, and evolving world around them. Our curriculum provides insights into various cultures and encourages creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. We inspire students to be curious, exploring how the written word enables effective communication across different environments and contexts. Through English studies, we aim to cultivate global citizens who communicate with empathy. By engaging with a wide range of texts, both classic and contemporary, we hope to instill a love of literature, fostering lifelong readers and critical thinkers.
How We Teach English at The English School
Our English curriculum is based on four key concepts: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. These skills are developed throughout Key Stage 3, growing more complex and challenging as students progress into Key Stage 4 and beyond.
Key Stage 3 – Years 1-3
In Years 1-3, our curriculum introduces students to the richness of English studies, building a strong foundation that seamlessly transitions from Key Stage 2. We focus on essential skills, moving from grammar and text comprehension to deeper analysis and understanding of writer’s purpose. By the end of Key Stage 3, students appreciate the beauty and diversity of English.
Key Stage 4 - IGCSE
In Years 4 and 5, students undertake a two-year course in both English Language and English Literature. At the end of Year 5, students sit for two IGCSE First Language English exams and three English Literature exams.
The IGCSE courses encourage students to:
- Communicate accurately, appropriately, and effectively.
- Understand and respond to what they read and experience.
- Enjoy and appreciate the variety of language.
- Value the importance and relevance of literature.
The IGCSE’s flexibility allows students to showcase their strengths, focusing on what they know without being heavily penalized for mistakes. At the end of Year 5, students receive two IGCSE qualifications in English Language and Literature.
The English Department views the IGCSE as an engaging, rewarding, and creative course that enables students to participate meaningfully and expressively.
Key Stage 5 - A-Level
The English Department offers A-Level courses in both English Literature and English Language.
English Literature:
Studying English Literature provides personal enrichment, along with skills in evaluation, analysis, and comparison. Beyond reading literature, the subject opens students’ minds to different perspectives and complex ideas. Additionally, the study of English Literature sharpens communication skills, which are invaluable in fields such as Law, Business Management, Diplomacy, Media, and Education.
English Language:
The English Language course aims to deepen students’ interest in and appreciation for the language. Through this course, students explore English in its diverse forms, gaining a critical understanding of how language functions. They are encouraged to pursue independent study as part of their learning.
With English’s global significance, effective communication, analysis, and critical thinking are essential. The skills gained in this course are highly valued by universities and employers alike.
