CGS students are reflective and resourceful with a passion for learning; they have the courage to take risks and to learn from their mistakes.  The English Department’s subject specialist teachers focus on challenging and inspiring students as well as stimulating their curiosity and motivation. The study of English Language and English Literature enables students to become confident orators, perceptive readers and evaluative writers. Communication skills, analytical ability and interpersonal qualities are all key skills required in the workplace and these vital attributes are nurtured and developed from Year 7 onwards.

 

Courses we offer

Cambridge Pre-U Literature in English

The syllabus is designed to encourage learners to read both closely and widely, beyond the demands of assessment, to enjoy their reading and to be able to debate their responses to it.  The syllabus aims to encourage:

• a critical and informed response to texts in a range of forms, styles and contexts
• the use of knowledge and understanding of individual texts to explore comparisons and connections between texts, informed by an appreciation of the traditions of English literature
• an understanding and appreciation of the ways in which writers use form, structure and language to shape meaning and effect
• confident, independent, reflective engagement with a range of texts, leading to effective expression of responses to texts in speech and writing
• the use of critical concepts and terminology with understanding and discrimination
• reflection on learners’ own responses to texts, informed by other readers’ interpretations, with an awareness of the contexts in which texts were written and the significance of cultural and historical influences upon readers and writers
• a habit of critical thinking. 
   

 

Edexcel A level English Language

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• develop and apply their understanding of the concepts and methods appropriate for the analysis and study of language
• explore data and examples of language in use
• engage creatively and critically with a varied programme for the study of English
• develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language
• independently investigate language in use

 

Component	Duration	Weighting (%)	Type of assessment
Paper 1 Language Variation	2 Hours 15 mins	35	Written paper, externally set and marked, 60 marks
Paper 2 Child Language	1 Hour	20	Written paper, externally set and  marked, 45 marks
Paper 3 Investigating Language	1 Hour 45 mins	25	Written paper, externally set and marked, 45 marks
Paper 4 Crafting Language	-	20	Internally assessed, externally moderated project, 50 marks

 

A level English Language:  Please see the Sixth Form section of our website: sixth-form-subject-information

 

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Language

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
• read critically and use knowledge gained from wide reading to inform and improve writing
• write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
• acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively.Spoken Language will be reported as a separate grade on the student’s certificate.
•  

 

Edexcel GCSE (9-1) English Literature

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to:

• read a wide range of classic literature fluently and with good understanding, and make connections across their reading
• read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas
• develop the habit of reading widely and often
• appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage
• write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English
• acquire and use a wide vocabulary, including grammatical terminology, and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse what they read.
•  

 

Extra Curricular Activities

Enrichment is highly valued and offered through a wide range of clubs and activities, including theatre trips, lectures, author visits, entry to national competitions, debating societies and a creative writing club.

 

2017 Examination Results

Cambridge Pre-U in Literature

D1/D2 (A* equivalent) 24%

D1/D3 (A*/A equivalent) 60%

D1/M2 (A*/B equivalent) 91%

D1/M3 (A*/C equivalent) 100%

A Level English Language

A*/A 10%

A*/B 40%

A*/C 83%

‘An English degree will equip you with analytical and writing skills that are readily transferable into many other situations and many professions. It opens up the opportunity to go into a great variety of careers.’       Oxford University

 

GCSE 9-1 English Language

9/8 (A*/A+ equivalent) 31%

9/7 (A*/A equivalent) 55%

9/6 (A*/B equivalent) 80%

9/4 (A*/C equivalent) 99%

 

GCSE 9-1 English Literature

9/8 (A*/A+ equivalent) 27%

9/7 (A*/A equivalent) 49%

9/6 (A*/B equivalent) 80%

9/4 (A*/C equivalent) 99%

 

The English Department

Mrs Carol Stevens- Subject Leader for English
Mr Andrew O’Sullivan - Assistant Subject Leader for English
Mrs Jill Henderson - Deputy Head and English Teacher
Mr Ben Wescomb - Head of Sixth Form and English Teacher
Mrs Alice Fisher-English Teacher
Miss Kathy Lindsay – English Teacher and MAT coordinator
Mrs Katie de Silva – English Teacher
Mrs Wendy Jelly – English Teacher