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.
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The English Department’s theatre trip to see the Northern Broadsides production of "The Canterbury Tales" in Scarborough in the first week of term saw all the Sixth Form English Literature students enjoying a lively and illuminating evening. |
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Year III have written poems inspired by William Golding’s celebrated novel,
The Lord of the Flies |
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Upper VI former Rosie Gillett reviews the A Level English trip to Stratford upon Avon to see The Winter’s Tale on 17th September |
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. * Please note that a new GCSE English Language and English Literature specification will be published in September 2009, which we will begin teaching in 2010. Further details of each course will be published as soon as information becomes available.
A period of consolidating examination skills/techniques; further teaching of set texts and completion of syllabuses. Mock exams in January are followed by a specific focus on writing skills.
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
2 pieces of coursework; one a piece of transformational writing, the other a comparison of novel and play
English Language
AQA Spec B
Module
ENGB1
Categorising Texts/Language & Social Contexts
ENGB2
Original Writing
Assessment
Written Exam
2 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
2 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.