Through a carefully articulated sequence of units at each Key Stage, students will experience and respond to a diversity of different types of reading material. As well as enjoying literary fiction from a range of cultural field and historical periods, students will study the many forms and varieties of non-fiction and media texts. In English lessons, students will be taught how to use texts studied as models for their own writing and students are encouraged to recognise the processes through which good writing emerges - stages of planning, drafting, proof-reading and evaluation. It is our aim that students will increasingly become precise, technically accurate, stylistically adventurous, confident writers. Discussion tasks and drama-related activities are used as a way of engaging with, and enlivening texts, developing analytical skills and preparing for written work.

The activities of English lessons are extended beyond the classroom in a variety of ways. The school's Book Weeks often encompass literary events such as National Poetry Day, and provide an environment for reading on a grand scale. In the past, events held during Book Weeks have included sponsored poetry performances, performances by visiting authors, creative writing competitions and huge displays of poetry. Other extra-curricular activities provided by members of the English department include reading and study groups, a spelling club and theatre visits.

The level of students' enjoyment of English lessons is reflected in the popularity of Sixth Form courses offered by the Faculty. Each year, large numbers of students choose to pursue English Language, English Literature or Media Studies at Advanced Level and the Faculty has a strong record of success with students who have taken these courses.