Sep 5, 2010
English and Communication
English is a subject that all of our pupils need: we believe that it should be a subject they love too. There is something for everyone within English: students study a wide range of exciting authors, deconstruct various types of media texts and create many different forms of writing, as well as honing their spoken skills. As part of the joint specialism, we aim to not only raise achievement in English through quality teaching and high expectations, but also to raise achievement across the whole academy in innovative and exciting ways.
In English we work closely with the library to enhance students’ research skills and to foster a love of reading. Year 7 and 8 students participate in Renaissance Reading - a computer-based programme designed to improve literacy skills, which students can access at home as well as in school. We also offer many exciting extra-curricular opportunities, such as theatre visits, creative writing workshops with local authors and the opportunity to participate in national Poetry Slam competitions.
In English we offer a wide range of courses at all levels and believe strongly that students should gain accreditation when they are ready for it, rather than at a fixed age. Many of our current students gained a functional skills qualification in year 9, and are now taking their GCSE English Language early. We also offer A-level English Language and both GCSE and A-level English Literature.
