English at Leckford Place

Our aim is to foster a love of language and literature and to ensure that each pupil becomes fluent, confident and articulate, both in written work and orally.

In years seven, eight and nine, we study a wide range of literature, including Shakespeare, modern plays, pre-1914 prose, contemporary prose and a range of poetry. We ensure that pupils have a firm grounding in grammar, syntax and spelling. Independent reading of good modern fiction is also part of the course.

We incorporate several theatre visits into the school year and have the flexibility to study specific plays which are being produced locally.

Recent visits have included "Macbeth" by the Creation Theatre Company, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Waterperry Gardens, "Romeo and Juliet" at The Wycombe Swan Theatre and "An Inspector Calls" at The O'Reilly Theatre. We are planning to see a local production of "The Winter's Tale" by The Tomahawk Theatre Company. Pupils are encouraged to communicate clearly and imaginatively in a variety of contexts, including giving individual presentations, group discussion and debate, and improvisation.

These communication skills, and the broad based approach to literature provide a solid foundation from which to approach the GCSE examination in years ten and eleven.

All students take GCSE English and English Literature, usually at the higher tier level. At present coursework comprises 40% of the English examination(20% oral work, 20% written) and 30% of the Literature examination. Although changes are imminent, it is possible that coursework will be retained but will be completed under supervised condititons. Students write assignments on a Shakespeare text, a modern play, a pre-1914 novel,the media and produce a piece of creative writing. Texts studied include "Macbeth", "Othello", "An Inspector Calls", "A View From the Bridge" and "Great Expectations". Students will usually produce at least two essays in each of the five categories, on different texts, and the best pieces will be submitted.

Similarly, because of the small teaching groups, each student will have the opportunity to give several presentations, to participate in many debates and to produce several improvisations during the course. The best grades will go forward.

The English Literature examination also requires the study of a modern novel (currently "Of Mice and Men") and a range of modern and pre-1914 poetry.

The English examination is made up of analysis of a media piece which tests comprehension, comparison of poems from different cultures, and two pieces of directed writing.

Each year we take year eleven students to an annual poetry reading event, where poets who feature on the examination syllabus read and discuss their work.