Department
‘Today a reader; tomorrow a leader.’ Margaret Fuller
Teachers in the FSL English Department aim to instil a love of reading, develop an intellectual curiosity and facilitate meaningful discussion. Our KS3 curriculum is based on progression and enjoyment, while our examination classes are vibrant and challenging.
Drama is delivered through the teaching of English, so our lessons are centred around group work and questioning. This variety builds the foundation for success in GCSE, A-Level and beyond.
All KS3 classes have a specified reading focus: characterisation in Year 8; tension in Year 9; themes in Year 10.
All KS3 classes have a specified writing focus: description in Year 8; creative in Year 9; persuasion in Year 10.
All KS3 classes also engage in drama, role play and improvisation.
All pupils in Years 11 and 12 are taught both English Language and Literature; classes are not streamed.
Pupils are encouraged to actively participate in a wide range of activities in the classroom and enjoy opportunities to demonstrate their independence and individuality. Pupils will also read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts.
Our A-Level classes are interesting and immersive, with students encouraged to read widely around the texts and contribute regularly to class discussion. For the independent A2 coursework unit, students are given freedom to choose their own novels and write their own question.
Our students recognised that they had “learnt interesting vocabulary, improved written communication skills and gained transferable knowledge.”
Pupils can also enjoy engagement in the following Departmental Clubs and Societies:
Junior and Senior Drama Clubs are on every week. Throughout the year we work on voice, movement, characterisation, devised pieces, script work and improvisation to really push and challenge your imagination. We also produce a School Play every other year involving pupils from Years 8-14.
If you are looking to excel in public speaking, whilst gaining a deeper understanding of global issues, then Junior or Senior Debating Club is for you. A range of competitions are entered by the school throughout the year, including ‘Soroptimist’ and ‘All Ireland Concern Debates’.
We hold an A-Level Reading Club to promote a love of Literature and have some fascinating discussion.
Each year, two teams of pupils compete in the ‘National Reading Champions Quiz’ which celebrates our reading culture within school.
We also organise regular school trips, including theatre visits and our annual A-Level trip to the Heaney Homeplace.
