English

During his first three years at Campbell College, each boy will have the opportunity to explore the huge range of activities and texts that make up the subject of English.

The boys have the chance to read and study different books, both fiction and non-fiction, read and write poetry, and experience Shakespeare in print and performance. They will discuss and read different types of media texts. As part of developing a love of reading, the boys have a fortnightly library period in which they read for pleasure and reflect upon that reading in a journal.

In the first three years, boys will study a range of texts, from C.S Lewis’ ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ to Philip Pullman’s play adaptation of ‘Frankenstein’ to Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful’. Furthermore, each year group also studies Shakespeare, with Year 8 enjoying either ‘Romeo and Juliet’ or ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, while Year 10 investigate Shakespearean villains, looking at ‘Othello’, ‘Richard III’ and ‘King Lear’.

There is the opportunity to be creative as the boys write their own stories, diary entries and poetry, whilst developing their vocabulary and technical control. Access to ICT suites and individual laptops also allows each class to complete research, prepare presentations or produce a final piece of work using Microsoft Word or Publisher.

Boys will become creative and critical thinkers in English class through taking part in discussions, delivering speeches and sharing ideas with both their teacher and their classmates. Developing thoughtful listening and verbal skills has never been a more important learning tool.

As the boys progress through Key Stage 3, their English work will be assessed to monitor the development of their communication skills. Each year they will complete formal tasks that will address the three areas of communication: Talking and Listening, Reading and Writing. The series of assessments and reporting will be part of continuous assessment and contribute to the end of year examination. The skill level that is achieved will also be used to help inform progress cards.

At the end of Year 10, each pupil will be given an overall level of attainment in communication. This level will be used to help set GCSE classes.

What I love most about reading is it gives you the ability to reach higher ground. And keep climbing.’

Oprah Winfrey

The vast majority of boys study GCSE Language (CCEA specification), with a minority qualifying in International English IGCSE. The majority of boys also study GCSE English Literature (CCEA specification) wherein many of the study techniques are interchangeable with English Language.

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it”

Atticus Finch

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

The course the boys follow at AS and A2 Level is that offered by AQA (Specification A) and is a two-year linear course.

Studying A level English Literature is a rewarding and stimulating course, which allows students the opportunity to study a wide range of texts across the canon of English literature from c.1400 to the present day, exploring texts from each of the three main areas of Drama, Poetry and Prose, as well as some critical works. From William Shakespeare to Arthur Miller, F. Scott Fitzgerald to Richard Yates, this course covers a wide range of texts, which are guaranteed to appeal to a younger male audience.

The department has a very high success rate at A Level. A level English Literature is a two-year course with students studying for AS level in Year 13 and A2 level in Year 14. There is the opportunity to secure an AS qualification at the end of Year 13; however, the AS qualification is stand alone and does not contribute to the overall A level, which is taken at the end of Year 14. The benefit is that three of the four texts examined for AS will be further examined as part of the A2 level qualification.

At the heart of successfully studying A level English Literature is an enjoyment of reading, especially different authors and genres, from varying eras and time periods through history. A love and enjoyment of History is also beneficial, but not an essential requirement to study this course; numerous past pupils have studied both subjects at this level. 

Another vital aspect of studying A level English Literature is the undertaking of independent study. Students should have an interest in and the desire to research texts and their critical, historical and social significance; the subject will be particularly rewarding for those students who take this vital aspect of the course seriously. Students will also develop the ability to plan and write confident, analytical essays, both in class and under examination conditions.

Smaller class sizes allow for more one-on-one time with class teachers, which is invaluable for personalised and detailed feedback, and for garnering healthy and in-depth discussions. Students are also given the opportunity to work with their peers to prepare and give presentations, and will be given the chance to attend lectures, live-theatre events and trips (depending on what is available at the time).

Achieving a good grade in A level English Literature is very impressive to prospective universities / centres for further education and employers. Regardless of future career plans, students will be appealing in the world-of-work by possessing the skills of reading and analysing the written word, writing analytically and confidently, discussion and debate (including justification of ideas and acceptance of others’ views), research and critical thinking. 

English Literature is beneficial for many different career paths, including (but not exclusive to) advertising, marketing and PR, journalism, teaching, law, medicine, speech therapy and writing. It also teaches skills necessary for roles, such as leadership and managerial positions, customer / client-based services, networking and promotions. Whatever future plans are, an A level in English Literature will never be a waste of time!