English
Reading, thinking and talking about what has been read are not only joyful pursuits in themselves but crucial tools in building the intellectual, social and moral life of the individual.
Ideas and communication are what make people interesting. Reading is where we nurture our knowledge and facility with both. From the moment boys arrive in the school, we promote reading inside and outside the classroom.
Our Year 7, 8 and 9 curriculums place a diverse range of texts from a wide variety of genres centrally to classroom practice, using these as the springboard for the writing, speaking and listening activities in which boys are engaged.
Boys in the Lower School visit the Library at least once every half term as part of their English lessons, helping, alongside an ever-developing range of other activities, teaching, and initiatives, to foster and maintain good reading habits in their busy lives. We are lucky to have a beautiful Library and expert dedicated Librarian to support staff and pupils, including running book groups in the Lower School years and providing boxes of books to each Lower School tutor and form.
Across the Fourths and Fifths (Years 10 and 11), boys will follow the Edexcel IGCSE English Language and CIE English Literature syllabuses, in which they cover both pre and post 20th century texts including the genres of poetry, prose and drama, as well as a range of non-fiction texts and writing styles.
A Level English Literature gives pupils the opportunity to read classic and contemporary texts, studying drama, prose and poetry.
The course offered is the Edexcel A Level syllabus, whereby pupils are prepared for three examinations, and one coursework component.
Pupils studying English develop their ability to make connections, to appreciate the complexities and subtleties of language and communication, and to enjoy the powerful ideas, insights, and emotions of literature. They learn to build arguments and to express themselves with clarity, precision, and eloquence.
Throughout the A Level course, pupils will enjoy reading a balance of different forms of writing, covering different periods and styles. Pupils benefit from a combination of teaching expertise, access to literary criticism resources, and guided independence in their exploration of literature.
As part of the IB Diploma, all boys continue to study English literature (or Literature and Performance) at either Standard or Higher Level. The curriculum presents both boys and teachers with an exciting opportunity to spread literary wings and enjoy a dazzling array of material that is assessed both orally and in writing.
There is a buzz around IB English (which is available at Higher and Standard Level) that extends to the discussions boys have in the corridors and common room. Every teacher delivers a bespoke course, designed to play to their strengths and interests whilst meeting the requirements of the syllabus. The result is lessons that combine academic rigour with the enthusiasm and energy born of genuine expertise and interest. Lessons are run as seminars in which boys are actively encouraged to lead discussion, bring independent reading and research to the table, and challenge ideas.
Future careers
Those who pursue English at A Level and at university open up a world of further opportunities. The skills of analysis, research and critical thinking are highly valued in almost all graduate posts in business, government, communications or finance. Journalism, law, and education are just three examples of professions which favour the English BA, and many English graduates go on to convert their qualification to law or even accountancy.
While several English graduates find their homes in academia, those who choose to leave academic study following their degree can be found within politics, public relations and marketing, the civil service and the media. English graduates – trained and qualified as sharp thinkers, fluent communicators and precise writers – have an exceptionally wide range of opportunities open to them.
Beyond the classroom
The English department seeks to organise a range of theatre and other cultural trips. There are opportunities for boys to participate in pupil journalism across a range of media. An annual Reading Week sees the whole school join in with book recommendations, readings, author visits and exciting events, whilst the Dr Ricks Reading Prize is an annual opportunity to celebrate boys who take on the challenge of reading a number of texts recommended by the teaching and support staff.
We have a thriving debating society, which meets each week for friendlies, practice and external competitions, and we also run the Foundation Key Stage 3 Debating Competition, and the King Edward’s Primary School Debating Competition for schools across the Midlands.
We seek to collaborate with our neighbouring sibling school, King Edward VI High School for Girls, as well as the schools in wider King Edward VI Foundation in providing opportunities for Sixth Form pupils studying English Literature to develop their skills, knowledge and perspectives – including the organisation of inter-school mock interviews for Oxbridge applicants.
Meet the Head of Faculty
Mr Leigh
Mr Leigh read English Literature at Trinity College, Cambridge. After graduating, he worked in financial PR and in the charity sector before turning to education.
In his previous schools, Winchester College and Stonyhurst College, he has taught English, worked as a Head of PSHE, as a second in Department, as Master of Scholars, as a Head of Faculty, and as an Assistant Head overseeing a year-group. He has coached sports and debating. He enjoys the arts, sports, travel and dog-walking.
