We wish for our pupils to be independent, thoughtful and articulate individuals who will take with them a broad appreciation of their literary heritage and an acute awareness of the power of language. We encourage their interest in English Literature and their capacity for reading with discernment and pleasure. At the same time, through teaching about the structure of the English language, we hope our pupils will become confident, able communicators in a variety of contexts, both written and oral.
Programmes of study Enrichment
Central to Form lessons is the common study of the development of human civilisation, enabling pupils to appreciate something of the chronology of that development as well as its ideas, cultures, actions and beliefs.
Pupils are asked to investigate how those in other times and places have dealt with the problems of human existence, to interpret and express these findings and to think about how they might apply what they learn to the world in which they live. They will also be encouraged to reflect on the spiritual dimension of existence, and to understand the religious experience in guiding and transforming human lives.
At GCSE we follow AQA’s English and English Literature syllabuses. The programme of study is in part determined by the examining board, but each teacher has a large measure of autonomy in deciding what is studied and when. Overall, the course promotes the Department’s strong belief in creative writing and includes a wide, stimulating programme of reading.
At AS/A2 Level we follow the Edexcel English Literature syllabus. Each set is taught by a pair of teachers and pupils are not setted by ability. The current Sixth Form has approximately 120 pupils studying English Literature and 8 studying AS English Language (OCR). Pupils will be given a grounding in the history of English Literature and there are many opportunities to appreciate a wide variety of genres and periods.
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The English Department has the reputation of being dynamic, imaginative, and committed to excellence. In the Summer of 2005, the Good Schools’ Guide awarded us the accolade of being the best independent school for AS Level in both English Literature and English Language.
Marlborough students enjoy and are challenged by a range of enriching activities that promote wide reading, critical thinking, analytical writing, creativity and presentational skills. The activities on offer aim to lure our pupils beyond the straitjacket of the curriculum, and to foster intellectual challenge and debate rather than academic passivity. Pupils of all ages are given opportunity to extend their interests and be made aware that English is a subject which transcends academic boundaries.
The English Department hosts half a dozen societies covering wide-ranging interests from Shakespeare to film, from contemporary literature to creative writing. There are frequent visits from eminent poets, writers and academics; there are opportunities to write for the school’s many and varied publications and there is a lively and full debating calendar. We run special seminars and a personal tutor programme for those thinking of studying English at university. The department frequently ventures outside the school boundaries whether that be for theatre trips, away days or our annual trip to Dublin. In July 2007, the department ran a creative writing trip to South Africa for Sixth Formers.