Senior School Curriculum English
English
Clayesmore School’s central mission, ‘To develop the unique gifts of every girl and boy’ underpins and informs the practice of the English Department at our school. We seek to enable all pupils to achieve their maximum potential with the full support of all of those who work within the English department, using a wide and appropriate range of strategies and materials to achieve this goal.
Pupils across the whole range of abilities and interests come to Clayesmore. Every pupil is special and unique, capable of achieving and contributing in a variety of ways within the Clayesmore community, whilst preparing themselves for life in the outside world.
The successful study of English must be central to the education of pupils. Children must be given the ability to access and use the English language confidently and skillfully. Access to, and the use of, English enables pupils to understand, interpret, talk and write about the world around them, to understand their heritage, and to study other subjects in the school curriculum. The engagement of pupils in the study of English creates opportunities for them to:
- develop their ability to read, understand and appreciate a wide range of texts, both fiction and non-fiction, enabling them to extend their own interests in reading and increase their ability to make judgements about the written word ;
- develop the ability to write accurately in different situations, focusing on their audience, and using appropriate language, form, and structure, thereby acquiring the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to engage in higher study of English and also to use written language appropriately in their daily lives and in their chosen careers;
- develop the skills, attitudes and attributes that can support learning in other subject areas and are also needed for employment and life, eg, listening skills, concentration, creativity, intuition, perseverance, self-confidence and sensitivity towards others.
At Clayesmore we are able to know our pupils very well, and to see them achieving in a variety of ways; they have opportunities to participate and excel in music, art, sport, drama, work in the community, Duke of Edinburgh awards, CCF, and other areas . Therefore our knowledge of the whole child and his/her talents and abilities enables us to help and encourage him/her in positive ways.
Whilst acknowledging the influences of the past on the evolution of our practice, the Department is forward looking, willing to embrace new methods and current trends where appropriate, whilst keeping up to date with changes at a National level.
Some recent feedback from our pupils:
English is creative, imaginative and academic – you can’t go wrong!
It expands your knowledge and understanding not only of the world of literature but also of history, art, politics and science.
I love Jane Eyre!