"And We never sent a messenger except with the language of his people in order that he might make (the message) clear for them."The Noble Qur’an, Surah Ibrahim [14: 4]
English is both at the heart of our culture, and is the world’s dominant language in terms of mass communication and government. The department therefore strives to fully equip its students with the skills in written and oral expression that they will be able to put to good use in higher education, their chosen profession and the wider community. The department also aims to develop skills of critical reading to enable the student to be sensitive to the diverse viewpoints of those writing about Islam and its traditions through the medium of the English language.
Edexcel
A solid foundation is laid in Years 7 and 8 with students introduced to prose, poetry and drama in both pre-1914 and post-1914 texts. Authors studied include: David Almond, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Year 9 is a foundation year for GCSE, with students sharpening their analytical skills. Genres studied include Victorian Gothic Literature and World War I poetry.
Where possible, we aim to fast-track pupils, with the more able sitting their English GCSE in Year 10. Writers studied include Wilfred Owen, W H Auden, Sebastian Faulks, John Steinbeck and J B Priestley. Creative writing is also fostered, with students encouraged to enter national competitions. Last year, we had several students shortlisted for the Young Muslim Writers Awards for both poetry and prose.
In 2023, 80% of students achieved at least grades 9-5 in English language and literature.
