ENGLISH
English and English Literature are core curriculum subjects at the Harrodian. Fluency and accuracy in reading and writing good English are seen as key skills for all subjects and for life beyond the School. Every Harrodian is encouraged by a highly qualified and ambitious English staff to read widely and work hard so as to reach full potential at GCSE and A level. There is an emphasis upon public speaking and articulacy.
The English Department aims to develop a programme of study that acknowledges and balances the various emphases of English teaching:
- Personal Growth – focuses on the cognitive, imaginative and social development of each student
- Cross-curricular – stresses the development of reading, writing, speaking and listening as the skills that are used throughout the school
- Adult Needs – acknowledges that we are fostering learning and skills that will prepare students for the many challenges of adult life
- Cultural Heritage – leads students to appreciate the aesthetic value of what is widely considered to be the finest English literature
- Cultural Analysis – develops students’ critical understanding of culture and the different ways that meanings are conveyed
Our more specific teaching goals are to make each pupil:
- Widely read in fiction and non-fiction
- Confident in reading texts of various styles
- Fluent, creative and controlled in a variety of written styles and registers and able to identify which style is appropriate in a given situation
- Appreciative of the various genres of literature which we study
- Assured in speaking and listening to tasks – ranging from class discussion, through paired or group work, to presentations to a group
- Creative and original speakers, writers and thinkers – using a wide and varied vocabulary
- Able to use technical vocabulary confidently
- Develop the necessary skills to perform tasks confidently – in class work, homework, revision or in a test situation
In keeping with the whole school ethos, we address the individual needs of each student, and support and encourage them in their endeavour to reach their full (academic and social) potential.
Head of Department: Ms Karen Simmonds
