Key Stage 3 provides pupils with a foundation in the skill of communication to equip them for the world of life and work beyond the classroom. At our school we aim to give pupils the opportunity to develop their abilities in a range of work covering reading, writing and speaking and listening tasks. A wide variety of literary texts is studied covering poetry, prose and drama, and pupils are strongly encouraged to develop the skills of an autonomous reader. Written activities ensure an appropriate balance is given to fostering both creative and analytical capabilities. English classrooms are vibrant, dynamic learning spaces and pupils are encouraged to engage in a range of extracurricular activities, including creative writing competitions, a ‘Read On’ challenge, author visits, book club and film club. There is a strong link with the Margaret Curry library and Year 8 pupils have a library period once per week to develop the skill of reading for pleasure.

At Key Stage 4 all pupils follow CCEA’s GCSE courses in English Language and Literature. English Language develops pupils’ competence in reading and writing and provides opportunities to develop skills in speaking and listening by undertaking a number of oral activities. The English Literature course allows pupils to study a range of genre: poetry, prose and drama texts. GCSE pupils are encouraged to read widely and think creatively and analytically, not only to ensure success in external examinations, but also to foster a genuine appreciation of language and literature. Theatre visits, a debating society and a trip to the Seamus Heaney Homeplace are among the extracurricular opportunities offered to GCSE pupils.

In Years 13 and 14 students follow CCEA’s English Literature specification. The aim of studying English Literature at AS and A2 level is to give pupils the opportunity to appreciate a range of poetry, drama and prose texts at a more sophisticated level, delving deep into the richness of the literature. An understanding of the broader historical background of the texts provides a framework which facilitates a fuller appreciation of the work. Opportunity is given to respond creatively and analytically to the texts and pupil participation in the classroom is deemed central to the learning process. Theatre visits to view live performances, as well as visits from academics who often provide fresh insights on set texts, further enrich and enhance pupils’ sixth form experience in English Literature. Texts studied include the poetry of Elizabeth Jennings and Philip Larkin, ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, ‘Wuthering Heights’ by Emily Bronte, the poetry of John Keats and Shakespeare’s ‘Othello.’