This is a crucial year for our pupils as they have only one year in which to lay down the academic foundations on which they will build at IGCSE and beyond. Although the Department revels in the freedom of opportunity afforded by the M4 year, before the exigencies of examinations commence, we are keenly aware of the need to respect the major requirements of the National Curriculum in order to prepare pupils effectively for the two-year IGCSE course. To this end, we endeavour to make sure that specific language skills are covered and that all our pupils have experience of texts that are substantial and challenging in terms of ideas and use of language.

All students follow a similar course, though the individual teachers will decide the timings and text choices. Students will all gain experience of pre- and post- 1914 poetry, drama and prose, and all will have the opportunity to take part in the Dodd Public Speaking Competition as well as the M4 Creative Project, undertaken during the Easter holiday.

Assessment is carried out at regular intervals during the M4 year upon completion of each unit (Poetry, Prose and Drama). The results of these assessments will be used in conjunction with the final Summer Examination to determine a final year end mark.

As a complement to the literature explored in class, the English Department strives to ensure that all members of M4 are reading independently and ambitiously. Teachers will help pupils to choose suitable books from a wide range of challenging fiction - classics and contemporary texts, fiction and non-fiction - and will allow time in class for pupils to read and discuss their chosen book.

As a new initiative, the U4 will follow the Cambridge IGCSE course for both English and English Literature.

Cambridge IGCSE First Language English allows students to:

• Develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing.
• Learn how to use a wide-range of vocabulary and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed.

Students are encouraged to read widely, both for their own enjoyment and to further their awareness of the ways in which English can be used. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English also develops more general analysis and communication skills such as synthesis, inference and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.

Successful candidates are well-prepared for further study, including AS and A Level GCE English Language, Cambridge Pre-U and the Cambridge International AS and A Level English.

Cambridge IGCSE Literature (English) is accepted by universities and employers as proof of real knowledge and understanding. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including the ability to:

• Read, interpret and evaluate texts through the study of literature in English.
• Develop an understanding of literal and implicit meaning, relevant contexts and of the deeper themes or attitudes that may be expressed.
• Recognise and appreciate the ways in which writers use English to achieve a range of effects.
• Present an informed, personal response to materials they have studied.
• Explore wider and universal issues, promoting students' better understanding of themselves and of the world around them.

From September 2012, the English Department will teach an A Level course in English Literature (examination board/syllabus yet to be confirmed). Students will be taught in small groups with two specialist teachers. In the L6th an AS course will be followed, which will cover the three main genres of Literature: Poetry; Prose; and Drama. In the U6th the A2 course will develop those skills acquired in the L6th and apply them to a diverse range of texts. Anyone with an interest in the power of the written word, a degree of analytical skill and a tendency towards reading for pleasure will enjoy and benefit from English A Level

Head of Department

Jane Bathard-Smith B.A. (Reading), M.A. (London) 

Department Teaching Staff

Katie Cloonan, B.A. (Swarthmore College, PA)

Angela Drew, B.A., MBA (Dunelm)

Clare Huxter, B.A., M.A. (Southampton)

Ian McClure, M.A. (Oxon.), M.A. (Belfast), Ph.D (London)

Rod Wycherley, B.A. (Leeds)

Mark Zacharias, B.A. (Dunelm)

The proximity of London and several repertory theatres  - Orange Tree, Richmond, Yvonne Arnaud, Guildford, etc  -  makes it possible to introduce English sets to live theatre. This is an essential element of the English students' experience and should be encouraged. It is also a crucial element of the students' overall cultural experience and education and the Department hopes that trips will cause as little disruption as possible but that, where disruption to other activities is unavoidable, members of the school will be understanding.

IGCSE and 6th Form pupils should attend, where feasible, performances of set texts - Shakespeare in particular - though the educational benefits of seeing any play should be borne in mind.

Three theatre trips have been booked for this academic year:

• 18^th January: Julius Caesar at the Roundhouse, London.
• 1^st February: Julius Caesar at the Roundhouse, London
• 2^nd February: King Lear at the Roundhouse, London

Available tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

Dodd Speech Prizes

Dodd Speech Prizes are awarded separately, one to each year group, for best performance in a formal debate. This is currently organised by the Head of Department and volunteers as an event to which parents are invited.

Claude Calthrop Essay Prize

This is awarded to a member of the Lower School. In 2006, the prize was awarded to a pupil who had achieved an exceptionally high standard in their coursework.

Barford Essay Prize

This is awarded to a member of the English Sixth form for an essay on a topic set in second half of the Lent Term and handed in at the start of the Summer Term.

Rosebery Literature Prize

This is awarded to a member of the English Sixth Form for academic excellence and achievement during the Upper Sixth year, on the basis of recommendations by members of the Department.

John Ingram Poetry Prizes

Awarded to:

• A member of the Sixth Form.
• A member of the Fifth Form.
• A member of the Upper Fourth Form.
• A member of the Middle Fourth Form.