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The Department boasts committed subject specialists with a passion
for learning and teaching.
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The Department offers a wide and challenging curriculum: grammar,
comprehension, Shakespeare but also media studies, thinking skills
and citizenship training.
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At Key Stage 3, girls are exposed to the best of literature – old
and new.
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Up to Year 9, girls are taught in forms.
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We offer a wide selection of poetry, novels and plays – both
traditional and modern.
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We teach our pupils how to write English clearly, purposefully
and accurately.
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We teach creative writing from Year 7 to 13. There are frequent
competitions to enter.
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Poetry competitions: girls have been published in several regional
poetry books for schools.
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Opportunities to use Information and Communications Technology
(ICT) in the classroom: dedicated whiteboards, DVD players, televisions,
recording facilities and access to the new state-of-the-art Performing
Arts Centre.
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Project work based on the books studied in class encourages independent
learning.
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All our activities support the Thinking
Skills initiative and teach girls how to become independent
learners – for life.
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Girls give talks to the class on books, people places and favourite
hobbies and interests.
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A school debating club operated by the Department allows girls
to learn oratory and enter competitions with other schools.
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Book clubs encourage wider reading – essential for success
at GCSE and A level.
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Trips are organised frequently: to Harrow Hill to see the Byron
collection, to the Brontë parsonage at Haworth, to Shakespeare’s
Globe, to the Jane Austen centre in Bath.
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The Department supports the library and participates in its author
visits.
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At GCSE level, smaller groups mean more individual attention.
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Every girl takes English and English Literature.
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On average, 35% of girls achieve A* compared with 3.5% national
average. Most other girls achieve an A grade.
