Imogen, Year 9

Sport: Body Combat
Food: Roast Dinner
Book: The Handmaid's Tale
Special Interest: Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Bridges and canals 

While English might seem like the study of texts, it is just as much a study of people – the characters, the writers and even audiences – because all texts are powerfully shaped by the historical, personal and social contexts of their time. Literature and non-fiction is the gateway to learning about the past and the present and expands students’ knowledge and understanding of the world and themselves. The subjectivity of English teaches students the importance of perception and perspective in shaping meaning. Acknowledging the complexity and ambiguity of the meaning of texts is part of the intellectual challenge of English and one which has a broader relevance to life. Not all problems have a clear or right answer; it’s how logically, creatively and persuasively students craft their approach to problems which is important. English teaches students the importance of acknowledging and respecting other people’s opinions as well as effectively developing, evidencing and expressing their own.

Our students are encouraged to deepen and widen knowledge and make links or comparisons across a range of texts, genres and eras – from Shakespeare to contemporary poetry, plays and novels and literary non-fiction. Planning through the key stages is informed by Primary SATs feedback, the key requirements of the National Curriculum, and GCSE and A Level specifications. We want students to be exposed to a breadth of knowledge at KS3 rather than a narrower focus on texts for later GCSE examination and we want all students to have the same English curriculum experience irrespective of social background. The texts support learners in developing their own writing by providing effective models to help students write for a range of audiences and purposes, adapting style to form and to real-life contexts such as letters and speeches. We also provide students wherever possible with opportunities for public speaking, theatre visits, and masterclasses to encourage higher education aspiration, as well as creative writing and poetry competitions. Whilst accuracy in spelling, punctuation and grammar is emphasised and valued, we want English to enable students to develop creative and critical thinking – to be able to combine detailed and analytical approaches to a text, whilst also striving for an element of originality. We support English learning using high quality resources not least of which includes a well-trained, enthusiastic and committed English Department.

Favourite English topic: Creative writing and poetry

Book: 'Wyrd Sisters' by Terry Pratchett (it's a parody of Shakespeare's works!), currently reading 'The Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R R Martin

Film: The Matrix series, any anime (currently 'Boruto: Naruto Next Generations' and 'Castlevania')
Music: I play the piano and the trumpet, I like listening to symphonic power metal, classical music and instrumental covers
Sport: Beach ball
Food: Barbecued pork neck with mustard

Place: Anywhere with the temperature above 25 C