English

English is a core subject throughout the Fifth Form for St. Edmund's pupils, with many choosing to continue their studies at AS and A2 Level. As well as having excellent facilities here in the school, including one classroom specifically adapted for Film Studies, and a TV and DVD in every classroom, we have a well stocked library; in addition, our pupils have access to the Templeman Library at the University of Kent, whose campus adjoins our own.

We shadow Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum in the Lower Fifth, but also offer a wider range of topics than it requires, including the in-depth study of a Shakespeare play. This can include not only studying the text, but taking the opportunity to research and act it as well. Our aims at this stage are to foster the best creative and factual writing, together with accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar. Not only this, we try to engender an enjoyment of reading in our pupils, as well as good speaking and listening skills.

Our pupils study for the GCSEs in English and in Literature; the English syllabus includes non-fiction and media as well as literature and extended writing. For the Literature GCSE we study six texts in depth, three of which are examined at the end of the course, and three studied as part of the coursework element of the final mark.

The syllabus for AS and A2 Level studies in English Literature ranges from Chaucer to the modern day. At AS Level we cover Drama and Poetry, pre-1900 Prose, and Shakespeare. Modules for A2 Level cover Modern Prose, Poetry and Drama, and Criticism and Comparison, which involves studying a theme over at least two set texts.

The department organises regular events for our pupils, including theatre trips, and talks and visits from established authors. We have a thriving Literary Society, which organises debates and discussions, and also invites its own guests to address its members. Literary Society meetings are also an opportunity to understand our A Level set texts in more detail, exploring their background and looking at related works.