English

• the creation of an atmosphere of trust that enables us to develop each pupil's confidence as a valued member of the community with a significant contribution to make
• to support and advance the development of a language for life in the young people we  teach
• to explicitly teach and explore the craft of writing in all its variety; confident use of grammatical terminology is encouraged and informed debate occurs when making choices in writing 
• to enable all pupils to communicate effectively and interestingly, both in speech and a variety of written forms, matching style and response to audience and purpose
• to help make each pupil an autonomous, discriminating reader and promote an abiding interest in literature to develop the skills necessary
• to recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers craft their work
• to develop a critical awareness of how language is employed in a variety of media
• to develop the skills necessary to decode the messages and to appreciate how they are created
• to promote equal opportunities in all areas
• to ensure that our pupils are prepared in the best possible ways for all public examinations

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, classes are taught using the bespoke HCEP. This ensures full coverage of the programmes of study from APP and the National Curriculum. During each half term we focus on a set text (or group of texts) and a specific form of writing. Specific teaching of grammar also supports this teaching. The pupils have the opportunity to learn the skills and conventions of the form of writing from high quality models. Progress is measured through half termly assessment of reading, writing and speaking and listening. They then use these skills to produce a piece of writing showing awareness of purpose, form and audience. The HCEP also includes homework for the unit and recommendations for further reading.

GCSE

The Department follows the Cambridge iGCSE; a course which still has a coursework requirement, an exciting choice of texts, as well as encouraging the skills necessary for progression onto A Level.

AS and A Level

The Department runs English Language and English Literature A Level courses. Both are very popular with the pupils as a discrete A Level as a preparation for Higher Education. High quality teaching ensures that pupils learn skills which will benefit them across the curriculum.

Facilities

The Department has four classrooms, all with DVD players and interactive whiteboards; a stock cupboard filled with excellent texts and DVD/videos.

Extra Curricular

The Department runs many successful trips to the theatre. We support many author visits and workshops with writers such as Alan Gibbons and Dan Freedman. Pupils attend competitions such as the KidLit event; our pupils also take part in the BBC School Report event.

Staffing

• Mr A Wilson BA (Hons) Humberside, PGCE (Head of Department)
• Mrs K Bloomfield BA (Hons) Hull, PGCE
• Miss C Foreman BA (Hons) Hull, PGCE
• Mrs E Holt BA (Hons) Manchester, PGCE
• Mrs V Pick BA (Hons) University of Wales, PGCE