7 – 11 English
I love English because it’s the study of what makes us human. Reading a book is one of the most wonderful things a person can do. You can travel back in time, you can fly to the moon, you can see the universe in letters on paper. And when you sit and study these ideas, these things that people have dreamed up – you can see a person behind it. You can see their hopes, their dreams – and you get to share in them
Mr Smith (Teacher of English)
Exam Board: EDEXCEL
Qualification: GCSE English Language and English Literature
Assessment breakdown for both Language and Literature:
This course prepares students for two GCSEs in Language and Literature. The objectives of the course are to:
- read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding, and make connections across their reading
- read in depth, critically and evaluative, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas
- develop the habit of reading widely and often
- appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage
- write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English
- acquire and use a wide vocabulary, including grammatical terminology, and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse what they read.
What’s unique about HA English?
With our modular system, we teach a wide variety of subjects – from modern texts such as ‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’ to more ‘traditional’ texts, such as ‘Great Expectations’ and a Shakespeare play a year. We’re also constantly developing our modules, so it’s always different!
What have been some recent adventures in English?
One of our most recent successes was World Book Day – a day that saw nearly every student dress up as their favourite characters from fiction! You could see a class containing Katniss Everdeen and V from V for Vendetta, taught by Clark Kent…
What have been some recent successes by the English Department?
A great success was our Year 6 vs Year 7 Spelling Bee. We invited the best and brightest students from around the local area to go head-to-head with our very own HA-spelling-champions.
We have had a really successful year when it comes to public speaking: Our contestant at the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge (Natalie Brundle, Year 10) won the regional final with a beautiful and emotive speech; our KS4 debating team has gone from strength to strength intimidating the competition and receiving some exciting invitations with Debate Mate this year; and our KS3 debating group have won time and time again in the London Debating Cup, competing against some of the top private and state secondary schools (thanks to the wonderful coaching from SPGS leaders).