Why Study English?

It is the pathway to all other subjects. A mastery of the mother tongue is a pre-requisite for successful participation in and enjoyment of British society. The study of our language fosters a love of language per se and of related literature and culture. Words and language matter.

KS3: A Foundation Course in English

We build on Key Stages One and Two with a spiral curriculum which revisits and enhances knowledge and skills. Our focus is good reading and good writing but our texts are more difficult and our techniques more complex.

KS4: GCSE English (WJEC)

We follow the popular WJEC English language and English Literature courses. These feature an exciting blend of controlled assessment and examination work. They allow us to teach our favourite texts such as “Lord of the Flies” and “Of Mice and Men” which have gripped generations of students and fostered the ability to read closely and with discrimination. We refine oral skills too and develop expertise in unseen poetry.

KS5: A Level English (OCR)

Our chosen English literature course with OCR explores a wide range of poetry, prose and drama. There is a good balance of examination work and coursework. The examinations are challenging but well-designed and fair. The coursework is short but the writing has to be good and well-structured. Students have plenty of scope to make their own choices pursuing favoured areas of poetry, prose or drama.

Enrichment activities at DGSB

Poetry club, Debating club and our well-known whole school productions are run by members of our team in association with colleagues and students. We take English beyond the classroom on a daily basis. Trips and visits abound and we watch at least one production a term.