English is taught in seven specially equipped classrooms. Each classroom has its own Television, Video and DVD Player. There are also interactive whiteboards to assist with the learning. One of these rooms is also equipped with twenty computers for student use.

Key Stage 3

The study of English includes reading, writing and listening. During Key Stage 3 (Years 7 - 9) students will focus on a range of units of work which cover all the requirements of The National Curriculum and The National Literacy Strategy.

Students will be introduced to the work of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and other major writers together with poetry from a variety of periods in time. They will also study communication within the Mass Media. Basic skills, handwriting and presentation will also be reinforced.

Pupils are often taken on various trips such as a visit to The Guardian newspaper in London and theatre and poetry trips in venues such as:

• The Globe
• The Swan, Stratford upon Avon
• The Lyric, Hammersmith
• Salisbury Playhouse
• G.C.S.E. Poetry Live, Portsmouth

In addition, to assist students prepare for their SATs examinations in Year 9, we are visited by theatre groups who perform for the students. Bite Size Theatre Group.

Key Stage 4

The English Department assess both written and spoken English. The qualification is based on written and spoken coursework (40%) and terminal examination (60%). Students are required to show competence over a range of writing skills. The English Literature G.C.S.E. requires students to communicate a sensitive and informed personal response to what is read. The English Literature qualification is based on written or spoken coursework (30%) and terminal examination (70%). The examining board is AQA. Link to syllabus

The English Department is proactive in encouraging students to enter literacy competitions and we have many students who have had their poetry published in books.

Students have use of a school library manned by a full-time librarian. They may take books out, use computers or use the area for private study and homework.For further information about the school Library please click HERE

English results at G.C.S.E. in 2007 put the department in the top five highest achieving schools in Wiltshire for the value-added index at Key Stage 2.

The English Department consists of:

• 
  Mrs.A. Cousens (Head of Department)
• Mr. J. Cotterell (Second in English)
• Miss S. Strode
• Miss. S. Reed
• Miss E. Bugler
• Mrs. J. O'Reilly
• Mr. P. Jamieson (English & Drama)
• Mr D. Woodward (English & Drama

  Video poems done in Mr. Cotterell's class

  Parrot poem

  Wasp poem

  Clawing End