English

Most of the work in English is 'literature-based'. Each term pupils are given two class readers from which various exercises are taken. Ideas for creative work are developed, passages for comprehension purposes selected, good vocabulary noted, topics for discussion considered and the use and development of language is covered. In fact, most of the work required by the National Curriculum may be covered in this way.

Course and source books are also available for other linguistic exercises, for which we use an assortment of poetry and drama texts are used. Drama at Key Stage 3 is taught as part of English, with each year group having a unit of work in which they write and perform scripts, improvise, and are given exercises such as 'freeze-framing' and 'hot-seating'.

Each half-term the boys are tested on an agreed aspect of reading, writing, or speaking and listening. All QE pupils are placed in sets for English.

At GCSE, most boys study both English and English Literature, though some will concentrate solely on English. At A Level, we offer English Literature.

The English department offers a range of extra-curricular activities for boys throughout the School. In Year 7 we co-ordinate the house poetry-reading competition, the spelling bee and the house drama competition, which is also run in Year 8. For Years 8 and 9, there is a house creative writing competition, while for Years 8-13 debating is a valued activity. The department also co-ordinates the School play.

We run a weekly English clinic to help students with revision and problem areas. In the Sixth Form, boys are prepared on an individual basis for the Advanced Extension Award and for Oxbridge entry.

Poets and novelists are invited to speak to year groups. Drama groups come in for Key Stage 3 and GCSE to present dramatisations of set texts, while theatre workshops on set Shakespeare texts at Key Stage 3 take place both in and out of School. We have forged links with outside drama bodies, such as the artsdepot theatre in Finchley, and organise a two-day public speaking workshop called Speakers Bank, which is run through the borough. Sixth Form groups attend lectures with other schools on their set texts. These are usually held in Central London and take the form of talks from university English lecturers. Visits to the London theatres are regularly arranged.

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