Exploring Ideas, Literature and Language in English
The English Department has had a busy and engaging term, Students across Secondary and Sixth Form have been exploring powerful literature, developing analytical skills and finding their voices through English. With texts ranging from Private Peaceful and Purple Hibiscus to Sylvia Plath and Shakespeare, there has been plenty to read, analyse, debate and create. Read more about what our students have been exploring in English this term.
Year 7
Year 7 have been developing their understanding of Private Peaceful, exploring the experiences of soldiers during the First World War. Alongside the novel, students have been developing their persuasive writing skills by creating recruitment posters from the perspective of soldiers. This has allowed them to consider the human impact of war while developing their own creative voices.
Year 8
Year 8 have been developing their skills in analysing and responding to a range of non-fiction texts. They have been exploring how writers use language, structure and persuasive techniques to communicate ideas and engage their readers. Students have also been strengthening their ability to express their own ideas clearly and confidently.
Year 9
Year 9 have been immersed in Purple Hibiscus, exploring its characters, relationships, themes and Nigerian context. Students have been developing their ability to analyse how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie presents complex characters and explores important ideas such as identity, power and freedom. They have also been building confidence in selecting and analysing evidence from the novel.
Year 10
Year 10 have been strengthening their reading and analytical skills through a combination of reading comprehension and poetry. They have been exploring how poets use language, structure and imagery in poems including Judith Wright’s Hunting Snake and William Blake’s The Chimney Sweeper. Students are developing their confidence in identifying literary techniques and explaining how writers create meaning.
Year 11
Year 11 are gearing up to complete their Literature syllabus this term, with their final text, The Princess and the Hustler, providing a focus for their analysis of character, plot and context. To deepen their understanding of the play, students will also be attempting to put on their own small-scale production in class. We look forward to seeing how they bring the text to life!
Year 12
Year 12 have been developing their understanding of Sylvia Plath’s poetry, exploring themes such as identity, relationships and the complexities of human experience. Students have been building their confidence in close analysis, examining how Plath uses language, imagery, structure and form to create meaning. Alongside their set poems, they have also been developing their skills in responding to unseen poetry and applying their analytical skills to new and unfamiliar texts.
Year 13
Year 13 are also studying drama, delving into Shakespeare’s controversial comedy The Taming of the Shrew. With its exploration of gender roles, patriarchy and women’s place in society, the play has certainly given students plenty to debate and discuss in lessons.
