English lessons at Camp Hill give pupils a sensitive understanding of the spoken and written word and equip them with the skills to express themselves confidently in a variety of situations, both in and out of the classroom. Skills acquired in English have a positive influence on all other curriculum subjects and are vital in any walk of life.

Pupils are helped to become fluent writers who can use language with flair; confident and articulate speakers who relish debate, and perceptive and enthusiastic readers of a wide range of texts.

Within the Department we use a wide range of teaching and learning styles which allow pupils to work independently, 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 develop their skills and learning. We have high expectations of our girls – setting challenging but achievable targets.

The Department’s schemes of work fulfil the requirements of the new National Curriculum. All pupils study English and English Literature at Key Stages 3 and 4 and cover poetry, drama, prose fiction, non-fiction and media. At KS5 English Literature is offered to AS and A2 level and we follow the AQA syllabus.

The Department offers many enrichment activities including: film club, book clubs, 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. We also run a very successful English mentoring scheme where some of our lovely Sixth Form pupils work on a one-to-one with younger pupils to help them improve aspects of their learning in English.

In addition, we endorse the importance of live theatre and run many trips to productions locally and nationally. We also take pupils to poetry readings and other literary events such as ‘Poetry Live’ and ‘An Evening with Malorie Blackman’. We are constantly striving to find new ways to inspire and enrich the learning experience of our girls and invite guest speakers, TIE groups and visiting writers into school where possible. We are also committed to promoting the creative talents of our girls and regularly enter their work into writing competitions and we display their work with much pride.

The English Department is dynamic, hard working and passionate about instilling in all our girls a love of literature, of writing, confidence in discussion and an enjoyment of theatre and the creative arts which will go with them throughout life.