English

The aim of the first years in English is to introduce our pupils to a variety of literary and non-literary forms, to refine their written accuracy and to develop their skills in speaking and listening. In particular we wish to instill in our pupils a love of literature, from Shakespeare to Myra Syal, and an understanding that reading is not limited to books alone but extends to every aspect of their lives.

Lower Third (Year 7)

In Michaelmas, pupils study a contemporary novel such as Skellig before moving on to The Seven Ages of Mankind unit, which introduces them to a wide range of literary genres. In Lent they study nineteenth century narrative poetry before moving on to a a contemporary drama text, such as Our Day Out or Black Harvest.  In Summer,  a media and non-fiction unit sees pupils focus on their written and analytical skills, as well as writing in a range of registers. Throughout the year, group work and speaking and listening skills are emphasised, not just written outcomes, and there is also an enduring focus on sharpening the accuracy and sophistication of pupils' writing.

Upper Third (Year 8)

In Michaelmas, pupils study Animal Farm in depth before half-term and after it plunge into the world of detective fiction, which helps them understand the writer's craft and sharpens their skills of forensic textual analysis. In Lent, they study a Shakespeare play, with an emphasis not just on analysis but performance too. After half-term they move on to nineteenth century drama, such as The Importance of Being Earnest. In Summer, pupils study poetry drawn from the literary canon for the first half of term, focusing on the writer's craft and making links across texts.  After half-term the end of year exam sees them undertake a grammar test and write a brief analytical essay on an unseen poem, drawing on the skills they have learnt in the first half of term.  The year closes with a travel writing unit. 

Trips and Extra-curricular

The Lower School Drama Club meets on Tuesday lunchtimes while the Lower School newspaper offers pupils the chance to extend their journalistic skills, as does the BBC School Report Scheme, in which all pupils in Year 7 are involved. We also run trips to the Globe theatre and other productions in Brighton and London, as well as to the cinema.