English

Mr S Barnard - Acting Head of English

The English Department is housed in its own suite of rooms. We have a team of six specialist teachers who employ both traditional and innovative methods.

The National Curriculum identifies the three main areas of language learning as Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Rarely are any of these used independently of the others and it is through the constant interaction of these that children progress.

Our task as teachers of English is to allow the development of these areas of learning by providing varied, stimulating and demanding situations and experiences for our students so that each individual is encouraged to reach and maintain the highest level of attainment, commensurate with his or her ability. The study of literature extends our students’ awareness of the world and develops their skills of critical analysis, empathy and discrimination.

Department policies are based on our own good practice. We pride ourselves upon our ability to evaluate, monitor and change to meet all new situations in the teaching and examination of English. We reflect systematically upon practice and the quality of what goes on in the classroom. Upon entry to school, students are placed in sets. These are reviewed every half-term.

All lesson material is carefully differentiated to cater for all abilities and with due consideration for students with Special Educational needs. We have a good range of materials for remedial work.

We follow the Welsh Board syllabi for Language and Literature.

We work hard outside the classroom offering a range of extra-curricular activities. These include a Subject Support Clinic and attendance at authors' events including The Children's Book of the Year Award.

We regularly enter national competitions and generate internal events in order to foster greater enthusiasm for the subject. It is this enthusiasm which is one of our paramount concerns. We draw from students’ own interests and experiences to give further support to lesson material and the acceptance of English for life.