English Department Highlights
10th January 2026
The Joy of Reading in the Library
Reading in the library is always an adventure and a wonderful gateway to deeper learning. Through reading, students develop their understanding of academic language, expand their imagination, and learn to make connections with ideas across different genres. This process strengthens their communication skills, comprehension, and confidence in reading. It is always a pleasure to see students fully engaged and enjoying their time in the library as they explore new worlds through books.
Exploring Books and Literary Texts
In English, students are actively involved in analysing a wide range of books, discovering that texts are often more complex and meaningful than they first appear. Authors from different cultures and backgrounds have been a key focus, helping students appreciate diverse perspectives and experiences. Students explore literary techniques such as symbolism and viewpoint to uncover deeper messages and develop thoughtful interpretations.
Year 8s have studied the book, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, in detail this term, an experience that proved both eye-opening and deeply moving. Using the P.E.E.L paragraph structure, students analysed characters, themes, and symbolism while learning to empathise with events from a child’s point of view. The novel has encouraged mature discussion about friendship, humanity, and moral choices.
Year 9s have been introduced to Shakespeare’s plays through short extracts from a range of genres, including comedy, tragedy, history, satire, and tragicomedy. They have explored scenes from Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, and most recently, Julius Caesar. These lessons help students understand that Shakespeare’s themes and conflicts are still relevant and relatable today.
Year 10s read novels and study poetry and have continued to build strong analytical skills. They focus on exploring themes, characters, and key issues within texts, learning to evaluate writers’ choices and understand how language is used to create meaning and emotion.
