Our English Department delivers a stimulating and challenging curriculum to all of our pupils. Our aim is to stretch the minds of those we are lucky enough to teach through innovative and creative means. Studying English at St George’s is both stimulating and enriching; we relish the opportunity to ignite a lifelong love for English in all our pupils.
We provide varied and engaging English lessons which are designed to stretch the most able pupils and provide tailored support when required. We endeavour to develop an appreciation of literature in all pupils to deepen their understanding of the diverse world around them. Our rigorous curriculum helps to instil confidence in our pupils to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
During their time at St George’s, pupils study and consider broad and exciting themes and ideas through literature and nonfiction texts. For example, key stage three pupils (years 7 - 9) read the novels Spilled Water, Asha and The Spirit Bird and Animal Farm. Such wide ranging literature allows the girls to see the world from different perspectives. At key stage four (years 10 -11) pupils develop and hone their evaluative skills whilst studying a range of literature such as Macbeth, An Inspector Calls and poetry alongside their study of nonfiction texts in English Language. Girls are offered English Literature at A Level and during this course they are taught to develop a critical understanding of complex, topical issues whilst studying a challenging range of drama, prose and poetry including Othello, Frankenstein and a collection of Romantic poetry.
All English lessons are expertly and thoughtfully designed to ensure that pupils make progress and that they are cognitively challenged whilst offered support and guidance when required. The Department has strong links to the both EAL and Learning Support departments to ensure that bespoke support is planned for girls’ individual learning needs. The Department encourages and supports all pupils with entries to various external poetry and writing competitions throughout the academic year.
Pupils of English at St George’s participate in a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom, allowing their particular talents and interests to shine. We have regular book clubs to encourage reading for pleasure and we enjoy celebrating literary events such as World Book Day and National Poetry Day. Theatre trips to enrich the texts studied by the girls are regularly undertaken and we often invite theatre companies to perform in house.
