The English Department is an ambitious, high achieving and creative department that has recently been judged by Ofsted to be “outstanding”. As recognised by the inspection, it is our aim to promote learning in a lively and engaging way that combines fun with academic rigor – our English lessons place students at the centre of learning thus creating independence, intrigue and development of skills in preparation for their adult life.
The department is staffed by fourteen experienced teachers and a higher learning teaching assistant. We are well resourced, with six classrooms each equipped with a smart board and with access to other media equipment. As well as promoting media, we strive to maintain a focus on reading and to that end we have a broad range of up-to-date texts that we use in delivering the curriculum. We also work closely with the well-stocked Resource Centre.
The delivery of the curriculum is closely linked with drama and, throughout their time at the school, students will have the opportunity to develop their acting skills and make use of the drama studio. To further develop students’ passion for English, the department offers a range of extra-curricular activities that include drama club, writing club and film club. Students are also encouraged to take part in competitions, both school and local as well as national. Some of the competitions have included a Spelling Bee for Year 7, a Persuasive Writing competition for Year 9 and the TES Newsday for Year 10 and 11 students. We also work closely with the University of York and other external agencies, such as BBFC and Love Film.
