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"I benefited throughout my life from a school where the intellectual stimulus was enormous and there was full appreciation for non-academic pursuits." |
Lord Brittan |
The English Department
At all levels the syllabus focuses on the central areas of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, as required by the National Curriculum. The department plans its work according to the needs and capabilities of its pupils, recognising not only that English is a basic tool for all other subjects but also that the study of the representative forms of the human experience portrayed in literature can extend the student's awareness of his own identity and the social relationships of which he is part.
In practical terms much work in English is stimulated by responding to reading. There is a departmental stock of 15 000 books for class use, and in addition pupils are encouraged to read from the extensive library stock. The writing process often begins with reading, though group oral work and personal experience are also important stimuli. Accuracy in terms of spelling, grammar and punctuation is emphasised. Use of Information Technology is encouraged, and media work forms a basis of some structures of the English program.
Key Stage 4 is assessed through coursework and examinations by the OCR Board, for English Language and English Literature. Coursework is also an important part of the revised AS/A2 OCR specifications.
Boys produce a school magazine, Skylark and a creative writing journal with help of the English Department.
Drama has now progressed from being an integrated subject to a discrete subject. Drama is taught within English in the Lower school, but Drama & Theatre GCSE and A Level are offered. Boys study practical theatre from different perspectives and principles of lighting, sound, set design, costume and make up. The school's theatre technician provides expert advice in these areas as well as overseeing set production and leading boys controlling sound and lighting in school and other productions.
Activities in the Drama department this term have been framed by two wonderful productions. At the beginning of May, boys from the First and Second Forms appeared in the Drama Studio in a lively and updated adaptation of Barry Hines classic 60’s novel “Kes”, ably directed by Mr Jeremy Cox and assisted by Daniel Fisher (6BM6). Charlie Reith (1R) gave a particularly mature performance in the demanding role of Billy and led the rest of the cast with an admirable professionalism.
The end of term was brought to a close by four delightful performances of “The Golden Pathway Annual” by John Harding & John Burrows. The directors, Mr Ron Elliott and Mrs Dawn Morris-Wolffe, having been overwhelmed by the acting talent in the Third and Fourth Years, wisely decided to create two entirely separate casts thereby doubling the opportunities for boys to perform. This year’s Middle School Play proved a wonderful confection of childhood dreams and wild fantasies … The image of a Headmaster as a James Bond villain shall long remain in the memory!