Who we are

Ms J. Archbold (Head of Faculty)
Mr L. Williams (Head of Media Studies)
Ms S. Patel (Year 9 Coordinator)
Ms A. Rashid (Year 7 and 8 Coordinator)
Mr M. Virciglio
Mr J. Colgan
Mr A. Locke
Ms B. Sharma
Ms J. Chowdhury
Ms R. Salmoun
Mr N. Bruce
Ms S. Patel

What we do

English is vital for communicating with others in school and in the wider world, and is fundamental to learning in all curriculum subjects. In studying English, pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they will need to participate in society and employment. Pupils learn to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others confidently and effectively.

Literature in English is rich and influential. It reflects the experiences of people from many countries and times and contributes to our sense of cultural identity. Pupils learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts, gaining access to the pleasure and world of knowledge that reading offers. Looking at the patterns, structures, origins and conventions of English helps pupils understand how language works. Using this understanding, pupils can choose and adapt what they say and write in different situations, as well as appreciate and interpret the choices made by other writers and speakers.

How we do it

Students follow the National Curriculum for English. We aim to enable students to build on their skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, to appreciate literature and to develop media literacy.

The teaching of English is phased in a series of key stages which cater to students of different age ranges:

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Post-16 (Years 12-13)

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 students follow a programme of study supported by enrichment activities and an assessment scheme. Regular feedback and guidance prepare students for their summative Teacher assessments in the Summer Term of Year 9.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students prepare for GCSE English and GCSE English Literature (AQA Specification A). The course is designed to integrate language and literature studies. It is assessed through a combination of coursework and terminal examinations.

Students qualifying for advanced studies may enrol for two courses offered by the faculty, English Literature AS / A Level (AQA Specification A) and Media Studies  AS /  A Level (OCR). Students entering the Sixth Form who have not yet attained GSCE English Grade C follow a Post-16 GCSE English course or an Entry Level course (AQA).

Enrichment

A range of enrichment opportunities is offered at each key stage through the Key Stage 3 Intervention Strategy, Excellence in Cities and The Out-Of-Hours Learning Programme. 

Accommodation

The English and Media Faculty is a well-resourced department with a teaching suite on the Harley Grove site and classrooms at College Terrace Campus. Media Studies students have some lessons at The City Learning Centre.