English

Macbeth in models

Introduction

The majority of our pupils have difficulties with schoolwork, especially in English. This manifests itself in a number of ways;

• the reluctance to write
• fear of substantial passages of the written word
• great difficulty in transferring thoughts and the spoken word into writing
• fear of the emotional element of the subject

On the other hand our pupils tend to have confidence to speak fluently, articulately and persuasively.  Some of our pupils are avid readers, but nearly all find it relaxing to have books read to them.

Programmes of study

We recognise the importance of English as both a subject in its own right and a service subject. The subject matter – speaking and listening, reading and writing – is regarded as a whole and not as a set of isolated skills. Understanding oneself as a communicator of and working within English is paramount.

A multi media approach is taken to texts; we use film, live versions and extracts father than whole texts to maintain interest. Our emphasis is to extend the spoken vocabulary and to encourage good listening skills. We encourage the boys to have the confidence to speak, read and write fluently and appropriately as a foundation not only to access other areas of the curriculum but also so that they can take their independent place in society.

Currently we undertake the AQA English and English Literature Specification A. New specifications will exist from September 2010.

Aims

In English we aim to:

• enable our pupils to reach their potential by encouraging them to speak, listen, read and write as well as possible for them
• help our pupils, through the study of literature, to understand themselves and their fellows and to empathise with other people
• encourage pupils to take pride in themselves and their work and to gain the maximum success in whichever examination that they are working towards
• develop skills of self expression and communication
• develop enthusiasm and curiosity, to probe for meaning and understanding in both the spoken and written word
• improve clarity and accuracy of expression in our pupils
• enable our pupils to apply what they have learnt to different situations

Successes

In the last four years there has been a 100% pass rate  at A* to G. Most boys notice in themselves an increased confidence in writing and enjoyment in reading.

A performance was mounted at the West Yorkshire Playhouse as part of the Shakespeare in Schools Festival.