Department Vision
The English Department believes in fostering a love for literature, critical thinking, and confident communication. We see English as a subject that enriches lives, encouraging students to explore diverse perspectives and express themselves effectively. Our teaching is engaging, inclusive, and intellectually challenging, balancing creativity with academic rigor. Through discussion, debate, and close textual analysis, we inspire independent thought and a deeper appreciation of language. We also emphasise the relevance of literature in today’s world, helping students make meaningful connections between texts and their own experiences; this is achieved through a diverse and innovative curriculum.
Main Aims
Our main aims are to develop students’ analytical, interpretative, and communication skills while fostering a genuine passion for literature. We encourage independent thinking, creativity, and a strong command of written and spoken English. We aim to prepare students not only for academic success but also for future careers by equipping them with the ability to argue persuasively, write fluently, and engage with complex ideas critically.
Pupils develop critical thinking, creativity, and cultural awareness through studying diverse texts. Writing skills are honed across various forms, from analytical essays to creative writing. Additionally, pupils gain confidence in articulating their ideas and debating perspectives, preparing them for further education and future careers where clear, persuasive communication is essential.
Years 7-9
In Year 7, we introduce students to a broad and engaging range of literature to build foundational skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking. Our journey spans the centuries: pupils will explore Shakespeare and also modern prose. There is a focus on dystopian fiction, and we end the year with a unit where, through poetry, pupils are asked to consider the complexities of identity.
In Year 8 English, students engage with a rich, diverse curriculum designed to develop critical thinking and literary appreciation. They explore Gothic Literature, delving into atmospheric storytelling and dark themes. A Christmas Carol fosters empathy and understanding through its timeless message of compassion. Our choice of modern drama, The Boy with Two Hearts, encourages resilience and personal growth, while the Poetry Unit on the theme of ‘belonging’ explores identity, connection, and the human experience. These topics are carefully chosen to ignite curiosity, broaden perspectives, and encourage emotional and intellectual growth.
In Year 9 English, the curriculum celebrates powerful female voices through a poetry anthology that highlights strength, resilience, and individuality. Romeo and Juliet explores timeless themes of love and fate, encouraging empathy and understanding. Students then read a teacher-chosen novel by a female author, featuring a female protagonist, further enriching their understanding of women’s stories. The Narrative and Descriptive Writing unit prepares students for Year 10 coursework, fostering creative expression and honing essential writing skills. This curriculum aims to inspire and empower, celebrating women and their stories while developing literary and writing expertise.
GCSE
At GCSE, we follow two examination boards: iGCSE Language (CIE) and iGCSE Literature (Edexcel)
For English Language, pupils learn to understand both explicit and implicit meanings, analyse language techniques, and summarize key ideas. This leads them to sitting a two-hour Language examination (50%) and completed three pieces of coursework (50%). For English Literature, develop analytical and interpretative skills through the study of prose, drama, and poetry. They learn to explore themes, characters, and language, understanding how writers create meaning and effect. Critical writing skills are enhanced as they construct well-structured essays with textual evidence. Pupils sit a two-hour examination (60%) and complete two pieces of coursework (40%).
Studying two different exam boards allows us to offer a balanced, enriching curriculum that plays to the strengths of each syllabus. Cambridge IGCSE English Language (0500) focuses on clear communication, analysis, and writing skills, while Edexcel IGCSE Literature (4ET1) encourages critical engagement with texts and deeper literary appreciation.
We choose coursework over exam-only assessment to develop independent thinking, research skills, and sustained analysis. Coursework enables pupils to refine their work over time, reducing the pressure of a single exam and allowing for a more thorough and reflective engagement with texts.
QG Super Curriculum
As explained in more detail below, we certainly make the most of our central London location to ensure that studying English extends beyond the classroom. At KS3, we run our ‘richer reading’ programme in which pupils select a range of novels, chosen in consultation with our school librarian, which are thematically linked to a text from the curriculum. Pupils then meet with others in the year group who have read the same novel and eventually share their ideas on the text with the entire year group. Small class sizes and personalised feedback further ensure that every student reaches their full potential.
We are proud of the number of trips we run in English. Each year group will take at least one trip per academic year, whilst those who take Literature at A Level will be invited to attend at least two events per half term. Examples of trips we have run include: watching Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre; experiencing a gothic literary walking tour of Brompton Cemetery; visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon; listening to contemporary poets reading their work at The Royal Albert Hall; and many trips to the theatre to see shows such as The Importance of Being Earnest and Ballet Shoes. We enter essay writing competitions regularly and run several English-related clubs such as creative writing club and picnic-with-a-book club.
