English Courses

We will read some of the earliest examples of Old English poetry, including Beowulf, and follow the development of the language through to Middle English to read works such as A Taste of Chaucer. The legends of King Arthur will be explored in various forms and there is an overview on the History of English Literature that will be provided to students for the course. The classes will include verbal narrations of the week's reading and teaching about literary analysis in order to encourage children to become intentional readers - able to experience the enjoyment of a good story and ask questions of a text in order to discover what makes it so good! We will study figurative language, imagery and descriptive techniques, as well as looking at how authors shape their writing to suit particular themes and genres.

Homework is expected to take two hours in total - this includes three readings and a submitted assignment (such as a chapter narration, an explanation of a writer's technique, or a creative piece of work that will give the children chance to experiment with a variety of writing styles). Students will also be provided with optional copywork prompts and grammar tips to incororate into their wider learning.

We will learn about how authors adapt their words to suit a particular purpose as we analyse speeches, articles and poetry together in class - investigating how and why rhetoric is used.

Children can expect significant input both in forming a detailed understanding of the core texts and developing skills to become increasingly confident writers. Our core reading provides a deep dive into poetry and an introduction to Shakespeare. We will explore the Elizabethan classics of The Faerie Queene and Paradise Lost, and consider the value of modern historical fiction novels as we read Simon (set during the English Civil War). Along the way, we will also enjoy extracts from Utopia by Thomas More, a selection of essays by Francis Bacon and pages from Samuel Pepys' diary - all provided as a PDF in the course materials. Considering such different styles of writing provides ample opportunity to cover the teaching syllabus for an IGCSE in English Language.

As always do get in touch if you would like to adapt the reading schedule for your child - the course is planned in such a way that the book list can be reduced to suit students who would prefer a lighter reading load. The full homework schedule is expected to take three hours. Students will also be provided with optional copywork prompts and grammar tips to incororate into their wider learning.

We will explore a variety of literature from the 18th century; examining and analysing texts such as Pride and Prejudice and Frankestein, and considering them within the contexts of their culture and Romantic philosophy. We will study exam texts such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and Animal Farm, as well as giving particular attention to the skill of analysing a previously unseen poem.

There will be a narration slot each week for students to share their thoughts on the texts from the reading schedule and explore the various analysis topics. As well as providing an introductory course for a GCSE/IGCSE in English Literature, the essay topics will give scope for students to complete their learning for the English Language IGCSE as they evaluate the ideas, style and structural choices made by the authors. The course has not been developed to fit a particular literature syllabus, but rather keeps a breadth of topics and incorporates texts often chosen by examining boards. The aim is to encourage the children to become confident writers able to appreciate and discuss a wide variety of texts, including poetry, drama, and novels.

Each lesson will involve two teaching slots - one taking a methodical approach to the 'nuts and bolts' of essay writing, and the second exploring the core texts in depth. As well as reading homework, there will be a weekly written assignment to be submitted via email for marking. Feedback will be emailed to both children and parents in order that you can see how your child is progressing. Homework is expected to take three hours in total. 

The Art of Fiction builds upon the content of Essay Skills, and the course begins by thinking through key features of quality writing from Zinsser’s guide. We will review Victorian poetry together; students will take it in turns to lead their class through prompts on themes, language and structure. This will be followed by a teaching slot to explore various creative techniques used by fiction writers. Through considering a wide variety of extracts and examples on topics such as narrative structure, character development and diction, students will be encouraged to grow in their understanding of analysis techniques as well as improving their own writing style.  

For our core texts, we study classic Victorian novels, drama and poetry, alongside an additional Shakespeare play. We discuss the related analysis topics in depth and each week's homework will include a written assignment that will be marked and returned with feedback so that you can keep track of your child's progress through the year. 

This class works well as a final preparatory course for a GCSE/IGCSE in English Literature or in providing depth for students who want to take the next step towards AP or A-level studies. Please allow 3 to 3 ½ hours for homework each week, although this will vary depending on reading speed.