English

Why study English?

The study of English invokes curiosity, passion and creativity in our students, stimulating imagination and originality in their writing and enquiry and analysis in their reading. It is a subject that equips students with a sophisticated range of skills as well as introducing them to inspiring literature that both challenges and interests them.

In English, your daughter will cover a range of activities, focused around the four main strands: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. This range and variety allows students to develop all aspects of their communication skills, becoming confident, independent young women who express themselves with accuracy, fluency and flair.

English is taught in classes of around sixteen by an experienced team of specialists who are passionate about their subject. These small classes allow teachers to personalise the learning of each student, giving them timely, positive and thorough feedback on their work with a keen focus on how students can improve.  A range of teaching styles and resources is used to engage students in learning and to engender a genuine enthusiasm for the subject.  Teachers give freely of their time to support those who require extra help. The department is well equipped with ICT facilities in every classroom and a range of texts that is being constantly updated.

Which specification is followed?

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 students study a range of novels, plays and poetry. As well as tackling contemporary literature, students are exposed to texts from other cultures and traditions, Shakespeare and other classic works from the literary canon which challenge and stretch the more able and prepare students for the demands and requirements of GCSE study. Through the study of English grammar, students develop a keen understanding of how to manipulate and adapt their writing for effect and learn to write with a sophisticated and mature style. Speaking and listening tasks allow students to develop their presentational skills; negotiate and co-operate closely in a team ;and present ideas and understanding through drama activities.

Key Stage 4

AQA A English Language and English Literature are studied at Key Stage 4, with students gaining two separate GCSEs by the end of the course. The two subjects are taught simultaneously, enabling students to make links between the skills required for both. In addition to studying both modern and pre-1914 prose, drama and poetry, students will learn to analyse non-fiction texts and will undertake a spoken language study, exploring different attitudes towards and uses of spoken English. They will learn to write for a range of audiences and purposes and make individual presentations and have group discussions.

Key Stage 5

Two A-levels are offered at Key Stage 5: AQA (B) English Language and AQA (B) English Literature. Both courses offer students the opportunity to undertake coursework on an area of the subject that particularly interests them, encouraging wider reading and personal enquiry, in addition to the standard specification requirements.

Workshops, conferences and visits

The English Department offers students a range of activities and visits that enrich experience at Bradford Girls' Grammar School:

  • Annual theatre trips for every year group
  • Theatre trips to London and Stratford, as well as theatres in and around West Yorkshire
  • Readathon
  • Poetry and writing competitions
  • GCSE Poetry Live
  • Battlefields visit in conjunction with the History Department
  • University lectures and conferences for A-level students
  • National Poetry Day and World Book Day acitvities and assemblies
  • Workshops with visiting poets and writers

Degree and career choices

Students of English go on to study a wide range of university courses including English Language, Linguistics, English Literature, Journalism and Teaching.University destinations have included Oxbridge, Durham, York, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and Lancaster