English Department

Teaching Staff

Mrs L. Gilmour (Head of Faculty)

Ms J Stokoe (Second in Faculty)

Ms S. Carter Tabasso (Head of Media and KS4 Co-ordinator)

Miss C Salisbury (KS3 Co-ordinator)

Miss J Hopkins (Drama)

Mr P Bentley-Taylor

Mrs F Burrage

Mrs S Carter

Mrs L Groves

Mrs M Hodges

Dr A Smith

Mrs K Taylor

Mrs A Wood

The English Department continues to enjoy success at all key stages of the curriculum. Our team of thirteen specialist teachers, has been delighted with the high quality of recent examination results.

Not only have our examination results been excellent, but we try to teach the courses in an exciting, dynamic way so that students can enjoy what they are studying. Film, video and drama are an integral part of the curriculum and we encourage pupils to develop their communication skills at all levels. The department is well equipped and involves itself in a wide range of school activities. Public speaking competitions, mock magistrates trial competitions, school musical productions, house essay challenges, sponsored reading challenges, poetry competitions are only some of the events that the English team organise.

Literacy and communication skills are essential if students are to leave school equipped to deal with the demands of modern life. The English Department strives to develop these skills in each and every student. The teaching of skills is very much at the heart of every English lesson: ten minute starter activities, allowing quick fire response and a focus on a particular aspect of grammar, punctuation, spelling or writing organisation, ensure that lessons get off to an effective start; a summing up activity at lesson's end which recaps the main teaching points ensures that pupils are able to reflect on skills learnt.

Reading skills are of paramount importance, and so the department makes weekly use of the library and ensures that all lessons begin with a short reading session. Reading cards are distributed so that parents can monitor their child's reading at home.

Equally important is the development of ICT skills, so the department encourages pupils to word-process work as well as carry out internet research (often in conjunction with book based research). Pupils are also encouraged to use their ICT skills to present class talks through the use of a laptop computer and a projector, which are available in the department. The English Department endeavours to extend the application of the student's computer skills, so that they can gain confidence and access internet web-sites for information.