English

Studying English

"Children: not to be moulded but unfolded."

The English Department aims to provide a happy, stimulating environment, where students feel valued as individuals and are encouraged to develop a love of language and literature. A range of classic texts, mixed with award-winning new novels, plays and poems are studied, as well as a variety of non-fiction and media texts.

Lower School Curriculum

The curriculum pursued aims to develop the following skills in each pupil:

• Knowledge about how language works and is correctly employed
• Responses to literature of all genres and at an increasing level of sophistication
• Development of written language skills in a variety of ways; to express feelings
and experiences, to persuade, to discuss and to analyse
• Development of formal and informal oral communication skills

These aims correspond to the National Curriculum profile components: Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing and Technical skills.

The department aims to teach in units of work which cover several strands at a time. One unit might, for example, involve the close reading and study of a text, produce writing in a variety of forms, involve debate, discussion or dramatic role-play and, as an integral part, include the teaching of specific technical skills. The demands made by units of work increase in terms of difficulty and sophistication as pupils progress through the school. All pupils are encouraged to develop their skills in word-processing, desktop publishing and research in order to produce high-quality English assignments and presentations.

In the first two years, specific attention is paid to the development of independent and enthusiastic wide reading through the Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum Reading Scheme which is based on library resources. In the First and Second Years, one lesson in the two-week cycle is a practical drama session, in which pupils study the techniques of rehearsal, improvisation and performance with a Drama specialist. During the Third Year the foundations for IGCSE English Language and Literature are strengthened through the study of a range of demanding, topical and controversial texts, including literary non-fiction and travel writing.

Clubs and Activities

The department offers opportunities to attend drama clubs and to be involved in the school's wealth of drama productions. Regular theatre visits are also organised. A Creative Writing magazine is produced each year by a team of Sixth Formers and pupils frequently enter national and regional poetry and prose writing competitions. For the past few years, teams of Second Year pupils have been very successful in the regional "Kids' Lit Quiz."

Older pupils are involved in political debates at an array of Model United Nations Conferences hosted by schools and universities world-wide. Every two years SGS hosts its own MUN Conference, providing opportunities for experienced delegates to set the agenda and chair debates. Recent guest speakers include Kate Adie and David Blunkett.