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English

Literacy and communication skills are essential for success in all subjects and in life itself. The department aims to empower its girls to use language effectively and confidently in writing and speaking and to foster a life-long enthusiasm for literature.

Trips are organised to broaden cultural experience and develop enthusiasm for works of literature. The current A-level and AS students have visited the battlefields of northern France to support their study of Literature of the First World War. Frequent visits to the theatre in London, Stratford, Oxford and Guildford give valuable insight into the plays read in the classroom.

Forms I - III / Years 7 - 9

Girls are encouraged to read widely and for pleasure. Each year, they will encounter novels, plays, films, poems and non-fiction that will challenge and enrich their understanding of literature, themselves and the world. Creative writing is encouraged through a variety of visual and written stimuli designed to develop girls' imaginations and the sophistication of their personal responses.

GCSE

At GCSE, all girls take OCR English. OCR English literature is offered as an option. There is a careful balance between coursework and examination texts. Girls study both pre-20th century and 20th century literature. Girls are also examined on their speaking and listening skills and have the opportunity to study non-fiction and develop their own creative responses to challenging visual and written stimuli.

AS and A-level

At AS and A2, girls follow the AQA English literature syllabus. The course contains both examination and coursework texts. They are encouraged to form independent, informed judgements and to place texts within their context in order to understand the values that are central to its meaning. Girls also examine various critical responses to texts and debate different readings in order to consolidate their own understanding.