English

Lower School

English is compulsory for all Lower School pupils.  In the IVth Form we aim to stimulate pupils and to lay the groundwork for the skills and attainments needed for future years.  During the two IGCSE years all pupils study for both the English and the English Literature IGCSE (Edexcel) certificates.  Results in recent years (note: GCSE until this year) have been very strong in both subjects.  In recent years, a number of our candidates have received special awards from the Exam Board for their outstanding examination work.

In the IGCSE years, pupils explore a variety of types of writing and formats including media texts, non-fiction writing and fiction (the three main genres of drama, poetry and novels) and engage in ‘speaking and listening’ exercises such as debates, discussion groups and individual presentations. Pupils are encouraged to read widely, further to develop their own creative writing abilities and to master factual writing skills. For further details of the courses we offer, please click here.

Upper School

English studies (English Literature) is an optional subject for VIth Form pupils but we are a very popular and vibrant subject with usually around 50 candidates taking the AS course – most carrying on to complete the full A Level course. Pupils examine a variety of texts drawn from a number of historical periods and learn how to shape arguments and present ideas and opinions in a convincing and cogent manner. Pupils are encouraged to read widely in a variety of literary formats and are guided towards investigating critical opinions. A number of pupils go on to read English at leading universities including Oxford and Cambridge. For further details of the courses we offer, please click here.