The English Department at Queen Margaret’s School believes that success in English is fundamental to every pupil’s progress in school and in life. We aim to pass on our love of language and literature to all girls, whatever their ability or background, in order to make them confident writers, articulate speakers and informed readers - prepared for whatever experience lies ahead.
In Years I - III Language and Literature are taught as an integrated subject. Each year group studies a Shakespeare play, a 20th Century play, a modern novel and a selection of poetry from across the ages. Special emphasis is given to reading, but also writing English for a wide variety of audiences and purposes. Speaking and listening skills form an important part of our assessment. Private reading is deeply encouraged and there is continuous spelling and vocabulary extension work.
Formally assessed work is used to monitor each girl's progress throughout the term and individual academic tutorials are used at strategic times in the year to help each girl discuss her own progress.
Currently, the AQA Specification A syllabuses are followed for both English Language and English Literature.
Exam Board Links
The following links will take you to the AQA website and provide you with all the detail regarding examination syllabus requirements.
The AQA syllabuses are followed for English Language and English Literature at both AS and A2.
Module
Texts in Context:
The Victorians
LTA1A
‘The Spirit of the Age’: The Brontes’ poetry and A. S. Byatt’s Possession
LITA2
Creative Study: A novel and 20th Century play: Jane Eyre, A Doll’s House Creative Study
Assessment
Open book exam
Two pieces of coursework; one a piece of transformational writing, the other a comparison of a novel and play.
AQA Spec B
Module
ENGB1
Categorising Texts/Language & Social Contexts
ENGB2
Original Writing
Assessment
Written Exam
Two pieces of coursework, with analytical commentary.
These modules are taught in parallel throughout the year.
Upper sixth A2 Level
English Literature
Module
LITA3
Responses to unseen texts
LITA4
Extended essay & Shakespeare Study: Love Through the Ages
Texts currently include The Winter’s Tale, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Room with a View
Assessment:
Closed book written exam
Coursework
English Language
Module
ENGB3
Developing Language: Language Acquisition & Language Change
ENGB2
Investigating Language: Written Investigation/Media Text
Assessment
Written exam
Two pieces of written coursework
Exam Board Links
The following links will take you to the AQA website and provide you with all the detail regarding examination syllabus requirements.
The teaching we do in the English Department is supported by many extra curricular activities, such as theatre visits, visits from authors and academic specialists, book clubs and writing competitions. Extra sessions are provided for students intending to study English Literature at university and all Sixth Form students are encouraged to subscribe to The English Review, as well as regularly read the on-line emagazine. Each year, we try to ensure that every girl, in every year group, is able to become involved in at least one specifically English event.
The Booker Prize Book Club
Meeting every three to four weeks, this book club will look at the works shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Open to Years III, IV and V, girls will discover new authors and encouraged to express their thoughts and opinions.
Creative Writing
Creative Writing Group will meet once a week to share skills, ideas and work done. Initially some fifteen girls will be invited to meet on Thursdays starting at 12.30 on Thursday 7 October. The aim of the group is to promote creative writing in various genres. Publication may follow via an in-house magazine, Magpie, The Margaretian or all three.
Theatre
This term the Lower and Upper Sixth will be seeing William Shakespeare's Anthony and Cleopatra performed by the RSC and Tennessee William's A Streetcar Named Desire at the Bolton Octagon. The Year V, GCSE, AS/A2 Drama Groups will be travelling to Newcastle to see the RSC perform William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
The Chapman Theatre
Written by English teacher, Mark Payton Rupert Brooke will be showing to Year III, IV, V and VI Form Literature Groups and VI Form Drama Groups and Drama and Academic Scholars in the Chapman Theatre on Thursday 11th November at 7.30pm.
The English Review
Featuring Can't Act, Won't Act Revolutionary Road English Department Head Julia Millhouse and Fallen Angels and 'Beauty, Wisdom, Modesty' Admired Octavia by English teacher Dr. Nicola Onyett, this magazine is a must read for an English student or enthusiast.