English is about understanding how humanity has shared experiences, ideas and thinking over time –it’s about what it means to be a human. It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the subject is ‘just’ reading and writing. While the study of English does of course underpin academic attainment across the curriculum, it’s benefits go far beyond the classroom, through promoting intellectual curiosity and encouraging students to make sense of the world. Shiplake’s English Department has a forward-thinking group of teachers who pride themselves on using modern, innovative teaching styles to deliver exciting and varied lessons. As well as preparing pupils in the best possible way for examinations, staff aim to instil an enthusiasm for language and literature which has many other benefits.
Resources
The English Department is based in the brand new, state-of-the-art Stableyard classrooms, with all rooms equipped with smart screens, as well as a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts to inspire and engage students in reading. The department uses Microsoft Teams and OneNote to support teaching and learning, through frequent uploading of useful and interesting resources.
Additional Opportunities
The John Turner Building is also available for pupils to use. This £4.3million project includes an innovative and unique Thinking Space, providing areas for pupils to collaborate, reflect, read and research. Pupils have access to a huge variety of digital resources, which, with the help of the Thinking Space manager will be used to assist their learning.
Pupils are expected to read for pleasure and to supplement learning, both during and after lessons. The Thinking Space provides an exciting, purpose-built environment for pupils to embrace and explore literature.
In the past, the English department has run trips to theatres, libraries and festivals such as the Henley Literary Festival. Pupils are taken to see relevant plays, often Shakespeare, whenever they are showing locally. We regularly welcome in travelling theatre groups to the College to allow pupils the opportunity to experience live theatre in the comfort of our Tithe Barn theatre space.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Our bespoke curriculum in Key Stage 3 is rich and rewarding, intended to foster a lifelong love of the subject and of reading. Stories underpin our curriculum, allowing creativity and imagination to flourish. Literary texts of the past influence contemporary works; therefore, the texts we teach seek to balance the classics with more modern works.
Year 7s arrive at the school and being by exploring Literature through our topic of 'fantastic worlds'. We begin by looking at the Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf and take a journey through the development of fantasy, from Tolkein to Pullman. In year 7, we focus on getting the basics right, through explicit teaching of spelling, punctuation and grammar, alongside the reading of exciting and interesting novels such as Coraline and The Ruby in the Smoke.
Year 8 explore the lives and experiences of others through the autobiographical writing of Roald Dahl, Geraint Thomas and Usain Bolt to name but a few. They also broaden their understanding of the world through the study of the novel Trash, a story about three boys who live on the trash heaps of Behala.
Year 9 are introduced to the influence of Aristotle’s Rhetoric through the study of speeches by Alexander the Great, Elizabeth 1, Martin Luther King and Malala. Through exposing students to the gold standard of the subject, we are encouraging them to reflect this in their own writing.
In addition to their timetabled English lessons, KS3 students also have one reading session a week. This session is supported by the Accelerated Reader Programme, a platform which monitors reading progress and encourages students to read widely and for pleasure through fun quizzing.
GCSE
English Language is a compulsory subject at GCSE, given the importance of competency in written and spoken English in today’s world. Currently, all pupils in Year 10 spend the year producing high-level coursework pieces and then sit their iGCSE exam at the end of Year 10. The vast majority of pupils achieve a ‘C’ or above and go on to study the AQA English Literature iGCSE course in Year 11. Those who struggle with the subject or are capable of accessing a higher grade are offered a second attempt at the English Language exam in Year 11.
Assessments take place in Year 10 with two components; written coursework, and a reading exam. Pupils will be expected to read for pleasure both during and after lessons.
English Literature is also an option at GCSE. Due to impending Government reforms, the English Department are currently investigating the most suitable exam board and course specification to follow. However, students should expect to study a variety of literary texts, including a major Shakespeare play, a modern novel, a range of different poetry and a modern drama. Lessons tend to focus on pair and group work, and whole-class discussion.
Assessments take place during Year 11. The exact format and schedule of assessment has yet to be determined, however, it is likely to feature coursework and written examinations. Pupils should expect to compare various literary texts; recent syllabi included such texts as Titus Andronicus, The Wasp Factory, Henry V and Heroes.
Sixth Form
Pursuing English Literature at A Level offers a rewarding experience, sparking curiosity, refining writing abilities, and enhancing skills as a perceptive and critical reader.
The Pearson Edexcel A-level in English Literature builds on the foundation established at GCSE, advancing pupils' expertise in detailed textual analysis, understanding of context, and appreciation of literary critique. During the course, pupils engage with a variety of texts from the literary canon, developing the ability to critically analyse plays, prose, and poetry. They will also be encouraged to challenge critical perspectives, broaden their reading, and actively participate in discussions and presentations.
In Year 12, students will explore two compelling prose texts, Wuthering Heights and A Thousand Splendid Suns, focusing on comparing the key themes and ideas presented by each author. Alongside this, they will delve into two plays, King Lear and The Importance of Being Earnest, analysing how elements of tragedy and comedy are portrayed.
Year 13 begins with a coursework module that allows students the freedom to investigate texts and genres that align with their personal interests, comparing two works on a selected theme. The course then transitions to an in-depth study of poetry, examining a diverse range of poets and their works across different periods.
An A-level in English Literature is a prestigious qualification, highly regarded by universities and employers alike. It is particularly suited to those aspiring to study English, humanities, or law at university. Additionally, it opens doors to careers in fields such as journalism, teaching, law, publishing, PR, marketing, and many others.
English as an Additional Language
‘English as an Additional Language’ (EAL) is also offered throughout the College to international pupils. This is a separate subject taught by specialist professionals. However, there is a degree of overlap with English as most of these pupils are entered into both conventional English and EAL GCSE examinations.