Both English and Drama help pupils develop an understanding of the spoken and written word and their capacity to express themselves effectively in a variety of forms and situations, both in and out of the classroom. Skills acquired in these subjects have a positive influence on all other curriculum subjects and are vital in any walk of life.

Pupils are encouraged to refine their communication skills in order to convey meaning in an appropriate manner, their analytical skills and their ability to work supportively with others.

The Department utilises a wide range of teaching and learning styles, which allow pupils to work effectively alone, taking responsibility for their own learning and also to work effectively with others, in groups of varying sizes. The subjects are taught through a rich variety of texts and other stimuli and pupils are given opportunities to debate, discuss, use role play, media and ICT to stimulate interest and appeal to different learning styles. Expectations of pupils are high, but achievable.

The Department’s schemes of work fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum and Key Stage 3 Strategy. All pupils study English and English Literature at Key Stages 3 and 4 and cover poetry, drama, prose fiction, non-fiction and media. At KS3, all pupils are taught a Unit in Drama skills and at KS4, Drama is a GCSE option. At KS5 both English Literature and Theatre Studies are offered to AS and A2 levels. All exam syllabi followed are AQA.

The Department offers many enrichment activities including, drama clubs, film club, 2 school plays, debating club – with participation in local competitions, creative writing club, a poetry competition, and the production of the School’s magazine. Some of the clubs for younger students are run by 6th form students, which helps foster friendships across year groups.

To enhance enjoyment and appreciation of English and Drama, the Department runs many theatre trips, invites Theatre in Education groups into school to help bring texts alive and involves itself in national initiatives such as Readathon, Hardspell and the Carneigie Book Awards and Poetry Live. Theatre-in-Education groups are invited into school to help bring texts alive.

The Department is a dynamic one, which values all pupils’ contributions and seeks to equip them for life beyond the classroom.