Head of Department - Dr S Purchase, PhD, M.A., B.A.

The English Department believes in a structured, formal approach to developing the essential skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, whilst providing the stimulating environment needed to foster creativity, originality and a love of literature. From Year 7, pupils enjoy a range of writers, including Shakespeare and more modern writers, as well as literacy lessons and the development of specifically targeted areas in personalised learning sessions. Visits to the Library and a weekly scheduled reading programme are incorporated into the department’s work to support reading for pleasure and research skills.

In Years 10 and 11, pupils follow two separate GCSE courses in English Language and English Literature.

There are successful and well-established Advanced Level courses in English Literature and Media Studies in the Sixth Form.