English
Subject Overview
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At the heart of the English Department lies a love of language and literature. This is almost palpable along the corridor and in every classroom environment, where there is a strong sense of subject identity. This is the backdrop to lessons where Reading and Writing are inextricably linked through Speaking and Listening. Pupils are encouraged to think, to talk, to listen, to investigate, to analyse and to evaluate all aspects of language in pairs, groups and individually. High expectations and challenge for all pupils is fostered through high quality, learning and teaching. The ‘buzz of learning in all classes’ (recent comment from Inspector) highlights the excitement and engagement of pupils in the English classroom.
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All pupils study English Language to Key Stage 4 and we offer English Literature to GCSE and A Level. We follow the N Ireland Curriculum for Language and Literacy and the CCEA Specifications.
Members of Staff
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Ms J. Allen (Head of Key Stage 3 English)
Mrs S. Devine (Head of Key Stage 4 & 5 English)
Miss K. Morrison
Miss A. McConaghy
Mr H. Kingston
Mrs S. Jack
Mrs M. Kelly
Mr A. Goudy
Additional Information
A range of trips are organised throughout the school year. Year 8 pupils enjoy a trip to the Grand Opera House in Belfast to see a pantomime and various theatre trips are organised for GCSE exam texts. The annual A level English Literature London theatre trip is always a favourite amongst our senior pupils.
Many other activities are organised for pupils through Extended schools such as Accelerated Reading and Book Club along with trips to local book shops and cinema trips. Pupils are also encouraged to participate in various competitions such as the Roe Valley Speech and Drama Festival.
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Some of the comments from a recent ETI inspection:
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‘Teachers are adept at drawing out and extracting higher level responses.’
‘High expectations are shared with pupils.’
‘Teachers were very supportive of pupils’
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