English

"The value of English in the curriculum? What can I say? Without English, nothing, and without good English, nothing very well."    Anne Fine, Children's Poet Laureate 2001-2003

English is a vital way of communicating in school, in public life and internationally. English literature is rich and influential, reflecting the experience of people from many countries and times. In studying English at Brighton College Prep School, pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We encourage pupils to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively. Pupils learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts. Through the study of English, pupils develop an understanding of how language works by looking at its patterns, structures and origins. Using this knowledge pupils become able to select and adapt what they say and write in different situations. Above all, our aim is to make the exploration of the English language and literature a challenging and exciting experience.

"I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework." Lily Tomlin

Trips and Activities

We do not like to be prescriptive about the trips we offer as we find that many new opportunities regularly present themselves.

We are in contact with local and London theatres and frequently arrange trips to see performances that we feel will benefit the pupils. Recent visits have included Macbeth (starring Patrick Stewart), Romeo and Juliet (RSC) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Globe).

Each autumn, we take the whole school to see the current Shakespeare4kidz touring production. In-house workshops (run by actors from the company) then build on the pupils' understanding of the play in a fun and dynamic way.

Several times a year, we invite comedy improvisation group The Noise Next Door to run in-house workshops for our pupils in years 7 & 8. These hilarious sessions teach pupils the skills needed to think on their feet and support each other during improvised performance.

Talks by visiting writers are arranged several times a year and have included Nigel Hinton (Buddy, Beaver Towers), Anne Fine (Children's Laureate) & Mark Walden (H.I.V.E. series).

We also like to enter competitions and have had considerable success in the Prep Schools' Public Speaking Competition (winners & runners up) and The Times Spelling Bee (2nd in the UK out of over 1200 schools!)