English Courses

We will read some of the earliest examples of Old English poetry, including Beowulf, and follow the development of the language into Middle English to read works such as A Taste of Chaucer and Tolkien's translation of Gawain and the Green Knight. The legends of King Arthur will be explored in various formats and there is also an overview of 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 - experiencing the enjoyment of a good story, and better equipped to ask questions of a text in order to discover what makes it so good! 

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). 

Our classes are vibrant and engaging as students move on to the next level in their literary journey. As well as verbally discussing the books, we uncover a variety of language skills and enjoy a deep dive into poetry!

Students can expect significant input both in forming a detailed understanding of the core texts and developing skills to become increasingly competent writers. Our core reading for the written homework assignments will be The Roar on the Other Side and Richard II. We will delve into 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 explore the English Language topics that currently appear in GCSE exams.

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. Homework is expected to take 2 ½ hours.

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 in English Literature, the essay topics will give scope for students to complete their learning for the English Language qualification as they explore the ideas, style and structural choices made by the authors. It has not been developed to fit a particular syllabus, but rather keeps a breadth of topics and incorporates texts often chosen by examining boards. 

The transferable benefits of confident essay writing ensure that this course has a wide application and the exam content won't distract from our enjoyment of living books and ideas! The aim is to encourage the children to become confident writers able to appreciate and discuss a wide variety of texts. By the end of the course, students should feel confident writing essays on poetry, drama and novels. We give particular attention to the skill of analysing a previously unseen poem.

Each lesson will involve two teaching slots - one taking a methodical approach to the 'nuts and bolts' of essay writing, and the second covering significant analysis of the core texts. 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.

This class works well as a final preparatory course for a GCSE English Literature exam or in providing depth for students who want to take the next step towards AP or A-level studies. 

The course builds upon the content of Essay Skills and each week the students begin by thinking through key features of quality writing from Zinsser’s guide. We then review a Victorian poem together; students 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 some 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. Please allow 3 to 3 ½ hours for homework each week, although this will vary depending on reading speed.