English

The WCGS English department is passionately devoted to the teaching and learning experienced by its students as well as to the subject itself.   We pride ourselves on innovation and experimental learning, which leads to some of the best results in the school.  
 
At KS3, students are encouraged to develop their personal, learning and thinking skills in addition to the reading, writing and speaking and listening skills that are specific to the subject.  The Years 7 and 8 units encourage students to reflect on global dimensions and the community in which they live, whilst exploring different text and writing types, including drama, poetry, non-fiction and the modern novel, investigating these through different assessment modes and forms: not just writing and speaking, but drama, film and project work.

At KS4, students begin to sharpen their analytical skills in preparation for their GCSEs in English Language and English Literature.  There is also the opportunity for students to develop their own creative writing – arguing, persuading and describing as appropriate for the task.  Students are encouraged to work independently, as well as deliver lessons to their peers and lead group discussions. 

Independent, multimodal and collaborative learning is the cornerstone of English at KS5: seminar-based formats, peer presentations, analytical and creative essays, discussions, blogging, arguments, wider critical research, a synthesis of traditional and contemporary literature, all underpinned by the facilitation of passionate teachers.