English Literature
Introduction
The study of English allows pupils to explore ideas and a variety of issues, and to improve their spoken and written communication. Pupils are encouraged to work with others as well as individually, gaining confidence by understanding what they do well, and as they develop their ability. We encourage and enable pupils to become increasingly confident, precise, expressive, accurate and flexible in all aspects of the communication skills of speaking, listening and writing: skills which they will transfer and apply to all areas of the school curriculum and beyond.
Co-Curricular Enrichment
We regularly take pupils of all ages to the British Library for talks about literature and creative writing workshops. Our book clubs, frequent visits from authors and theatre trips all help to stimulate a love of literature and interest in language. The annual St Benedict’s magazine, The Priorian, is edited by pupils and provides a showcase for pupils’ creative writing and reviews.
Form 3 to Upper 4th (Years 7 to 9)
From Form 3 to Upper 4th we are seeking to embed the core skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening so our pupils can face their exam years with resilience, confidence and independence.
In Form 3 our pupils study the class novel (Darkside by Tom Becker), a poetry collection covering pre- and post- 19th century poems and a Shakespeare scheme of work, such as Heroes and Villains. The Lower 4th study a novel (for example, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins), a travel writing scheme of work and a Shakespeare play.
In Upper 4 the units of work are a novel (such as Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck), Creating Characters (a creative writing unit) and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
GCSE
At GCSE the department aims to provide an integrated programme of speaking, listening, reading and writing. These skills are not taught in isolation and pupils are encouraged to see that they are integrated rather than separate. Pupils engage in a variety of language and literature activities to develop their competence in each of these skills, using the relevant AQA specifications.
Topics include: the Victorian novel, a poetry collection, Shakespeare’s Macbeth and An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley.
A level
For A level Literature we encourage students to read and engage critically and creatively with a substantial body of texts, and follow the Edexcel syllabus. The study of Literature facilitates the undertaking of independent and sustained study to deepen their appreciation and understanding of English, including its changing traditions. Texts studied include King Lear by Shakespeare, A Streetcar named Desire by Tennessee Williams, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath and The Portrait of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.