English is about understanding how humanity has shared experiences, ideas and thinking over time –it’s about what it means to be a human. It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the subject is ‘just’ reading and writing. While the study of English does of course underpin academic attainment across the curriculum, it’s benefits go far beyond the classroom, through promoting intellectual curiosity and encouraging students to make sense of the world. Shiplake’s English Department has a forward-thinking group of teachers who pride themselves on using modern, innovative teaching styles to deliver exciting and varied lessons. As well as preparing pupils in the best possible way for examinations, staff aim to instil an enthusiasm for language and literature which has many other benefits.
Resources
The English Department is based in the brand new, state-of-the-art Stableyard classrooms, with all rooms equipped with smart screens, as well as a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts to inspire and engage students in reading. The department uses Microsoft Teams and OneNote to support teaching and learning, through frequent uploading of useful and interesting resources.
Additional Opportunities
The John Turner Building is also available for pupils to use. This £4.3million project includes an innovative and unique Thinking Space, providing areas for pupils to collaborate, reflect, read and research. Pupils have access to a huge variety of digital resources, which, with the help of the Thinking Space manager will be used to assist their learning.
Pupils are expected to read for pleasure and to supplement learning, both during and after lessons. The Thinking Space provides an exciting, purpose-built environment for pupils to embrace and explore literature.
In the past, the English department has run trips to theatres, libraries and festivals such as the Henley Literary Festival. Pupils are taken to see relevant plays, often Shakespeare, whenever they are showing locally. We regularly welcome in travelling theatre groups to the College to allow pupils the opportunity to experience live theatre in the comfort of our Tithe Barn theatre space.
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
Our bespoke curriculum in Key Stage 3 is rich and rewarding, intended to foster a lifelong love of the subject and of reading. Stories underpin our curriculum, allowing creativity and imagination to flourish. Literary texts of the past influence contemporary works; therefore, the texts we teach seek to balance the classics with more modern works.
Year 7s arrive at the school and being by exploring Literature through our topic of 'fantastic worlds'. We begin by looking at the Anglo-Saxon poem, Beowulf and take a journey through the development of fantasy, from Tolkein to Pullman. In year 7, we focus on getting the basics right, through explicit teaching of spelling, punctuation and grammar, alongside the reading of exciting and interesting novels such as Coraline and The Ruby in the Smoke.
Year 8 explore the lives and experiences of others through the autobiographical writing of Roald Dahl, Geraint Thomas and Usain Bolt to name but a few. They also broaden their understanding of the world through the study of the novel Trash, a story about three boys who live on the trash heaps of Behala.
Year 9 are introduced to the influence of Aristotle’s Rhetoric through the study of speeches by Alexander the Great, Elizabeth 1, Martin Luther King and Malala. Through exposing students to the gold standard of the subject, we are encouraging them to reflect this in their own writing.
In addition to their timetabled English lessons, KS3 students also have one reading session a week. This session is supported by a bespoke reading challenge in which pupils work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.
GCSE
At Shiplake, all pupils study Pearson Edexcel IGCSE English Language, with the majority also completing English Literature. A decision about entry for Literature is made after the Year 10 examinations, ensuring each pupil follows the most appropriate pathway. Both English Language and English Literature are taught side by side in the same lessons, giving pupils a well-rounded experience of the subject
English Language
The IGCSE English Language course develops pupils’ ability to read critically, write with precision and creativity, and communicate effectively. Pupils engage with a range of non-fiction and fiction texts, analysing how writers use language and structure to shape meaning. Alongside this, we follow the coursework option, which allows pupils to produce two extended pieces: one in creative writing, and one exploring poetry and prose from the Edexcel anthology. These assignments encourage pupils to develop independence, originality, and the ability to respond thoughtfully to both their own writing and the work of others. The course as a whole equips pupils with the skills needed for both academic success and confident communication beyond the classroom.
English Literature
The English Literature IGCSE enriches pupils’ understanding of literary heritage and contemporary concerns. Just like Language, we also follow the coursework option in this subject, giving pupils the opportunity to study two major texts in depth. In Year 10, pupils explore J.B Priestley's An Inspector Calls, examining its social commentary and dramatic structure, while in Year 11, they focus on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, analysing themes of ambition, power, and fate. Both texts are assessed through coursework essays, allowing pupils to develop extended analytical and critical writing skills.
For the final examination, pupils study a prose text, either John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men or Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. This provides a rich opportunity to consider themes of society, justice, and human relationships within accessible and thought-provoking narratives.
Together, English Language and Literature give pupils the tools to think deeply, argue persuasively, and appreciate the power of words.
Sixth Form
Pursuing English Literature at A Level offers a rewarding experience, sparking curiosity, refining writing abilities, and enhancing skills as a perceptive and critical reader.
The Pearson Edexcel A-level in English Literature builds on the foundation established at GCSE, advancing pupils' expertise in detailed textual analysis, understanding of context, and appreciation of literary critique. During the course, pupils engage with a variety of texts from the literary canon, developing the ability to critically analyse plays, prose, and poetry. They will also be encouraged to challenge critical perspectives, broaden their reading, and actively participate in discussions and presentations.
In Year 12, students will explore two compelling prose texts, Never Let Me Go and Frankenstein, focusing on comparing the key themes and ideas presented by each author. Alongside this, they will delve into two plays, Twelfth Night and The Importance of Being Earnest, analysing how elements of tragedy and comedy are portrayed.
Year 13 begins with a coursework module that allows students the freedom to investigate texts and genres that align with their personal interests, comparing two works on a selected theme. The course then transitions to an in-depth study of poetry, examining a diverse range of poets and their works across different periods.
An A-level in English Literature is a prestigious qualification, highly regarded by universities and employers alike. It is particularly suited to those aspiring to study English, humanities, or law at university. Additionally, it opens doors to careers in fields such as journalism, teaching, law, publishing, PR, marketing, and many others.
English as an Additional Language
‘English as an Additional Language’ (EAL) is also offered throughout the College to international pupils. This is a separate subject taught by specialist professionals. However, there is a degree of overlap with English as most of these pupils are entered into both conventional English and EAL GCSE examinations.