The English Department works closely with Curriculum Support in order to assist individual pupils with their English so that every pupil enjoys an equal entitlement to aspire and to achieve regardless of their ability level or age.

Lower School

Throughout 1st–3rd Form, we expand pupils’ literary knowledge through exploring a range of genres and literary movements alongside building the technical foundations for GCSE and later life. The Department focuses on developing pupils’ abilities to communicate effectively and accurately as well as understanding, analysing and evaluating the spoken and written word.

Pupils are currently studying Myths and Legends: Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Animal Farm, Oliver Twist, Journey’s End, The Gothic and The Woman in Black. We also teach a wide variety of poetry to each year group, both traditional and modern. In the Summer Term each year group studies a Shakespeare play such as Henry IV Part I, The Tempest or Twelfth Night and there is an opportunity to see a live performance at The Globe.

We are keen to foster intellectual curiosity beyond the syllabus and so our pupils complete an Independent Reading Project, enter National Young Writers’ Competitions and our very own Oratory Short Story Competition.

IGCSE

We offer two IGCSE qualifications: English Language and English Literature. For both qualifications, 60% of the course is externally examined and 40% is internally assessed through written coursework. Throughout the GCSE years we continue to develop the reading and writing skills learnt at KS3 as well as to continue to inculcate a love of reading and an interest in English language and literature in all its forms.

 

English Language

Edexcel International GCSE 9-14EA1

Throughout the 4th and 5th Form pupils will learn to read critically and use knowledge gained from their wider reading to inform and improve their own writing styles. We inspire them to acquire and apply a wide vocabulary alongside improving their knowledge and application of grammatical terminology, which now forms a large part of the reformed GCSEs. At the core of the course is a diverse anthology of poetry, prose and non-fiction provided by the exam board, which forms a platform from which we can explore English language. It is important that pupils continue to develop their love of reading and commit to reading widely in their personal time to support their learning in the classroom.

Find out more about our English Language IGCSE, including course content and assessment, here: GCSE Subject Options Brochure.

 

English Literature

Edexcel International GCSE 9-14ET1

Pupils engage with and develop the ability to read, understand, and respond to a wide range of literary texts from around the world, as well as developing an appreciation of writers’ craft and the ways in which literary effects are achieved. We hope that by exploring various genres and cultures, they will not only enjoy the set texts but understand the influence of literature on individuals and societies. Trips and visits to the theatre as well as National Theatre: Live screenings are commonplace and help to bring texts alive for the pupils.

Find out more about our English Literature IGCSE, including course content and assessment, here: GCSE Subject Options Brochure.

A LEVEL

 

English Language

Edexcel 

English Language A Level is a fascinating introduction to the ways in which language varies, depending on the contexts of production and reception. The Edexcel course gives pupils the opportunity to explore how language choices can create personal identities and critically evaluate how language changes over time from 1550 to the present day. Pupils will have the opportunity to develop their research and investigation skills, by exploring specialist topics in depth such as ‘Language and Journalism’ or ‘Language and Power’. Pupils develop their skills as producers and interpreters of language and lessons are epitomised by discussion and debate, regarding the history, current use and future of the English language.

Pupils will be expected to read widely and independently investigate language in use. A real draw of the course is the fact that for coursework, pupils produce a creative writing folder on any genre and write a commentary which reflects on the process, whilst being encouraged to explore a range of forms ranging from dramatic monologue to travel writing. There are a variety of enrichment opportunities during the A Level course, including writing workshops, trips, attending lecture days in London, competitions and hearing eminent guest speakers.

Find out more about our English Language A Level, including course content and assessment, here: 6th Form Subject Options Brochure.

 

English Literature

Edexcel

English Literature A Level offers the opportunity to explore some of the greatest achievements in the literary canon, as well as to examine lesser known works. The Edexcel syllabus is notable for the breadth of experience it offers. Pupils will analyse plays, novels and poems emerging from a variety of genres and spanning many centuries, in order to gain an appreciation of how traditions and culture have continually shaped literature.

Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on lively discussion and debate as well as producing a convincing written argument. Pupils will be expected to read widely in order to explore critical standpoints. The course encourages pupils to look at contrasts and connections across texts, whilst also considering the huge range of historical, social and literary contexts which may have influenced writers. Pupils undertake independent study in the coursework component, in which they create their own question on an area of interest for the two linking texts.

There are a variety of enrichment opportunities during the A Level course, including theatre performances in London and Stratford, National Theatre Live screenings, attending lecture days in London, essay competitions and listening to eminent guest speakers.

Find out more about English Literature at A Level, in particular the course content and assessments, here: 6th Form Options Booklet.

 

For pupils whose first language is not English the EAL Department offer the option of the Cambridge board IGCSE ESL (English as a Second Language). This is a two-year course focusing on the acquisition of grammar and vocabulary to IGCSE level, and the development of the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

The exam is graded from 1–9 and all pupils take the same exam. The exam consists of a 50 minute listening exam, a 2 hour reading/writing exam and a 15 minute speaking exam, which is included in the grading of the exam. All pupils are entered at the end of the 5th Form year.

In addition, on request, pupils are able to take the Cambridge First (B2) exam at the end of 4th Form, or the easier Cambridge Preliminary (B1) exam. These are entirely optional and incur an exam cost of £160.
 

English as an Additional Language for University Entrance

Any pupil for whom English is a second language, regardless of previous qualifications, should seriously consider choosing English for academic purposes in the 6th Form to develop further their formal, academic English and to improve the sophistication, flexibility and range of their language. This will inevitably help with their A Level and university studies, their professional lives, and will allow pupils the opportunity to add further qualifications to their CV.

Pupils without a first language English GCSE must choose this as a subject option if they wish to apply for university in this country.

The Oratory has a highly experienced IELTS and academic English team which includes extensive teaching and examining experience. We have a great track record of delivering the best IELTS results that pupils are capable of to smooth their paths into university and the following stages of education. We offer timetabled lessons and focus on preparing for the IELTS exam, while teaching pupils advanced academic skills and language.

IELTS (International English Testing System)

All UK, and the majority of international universities, accept IELTS (International English Testing System) for their English Language requirement. It is based on the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking at an advanced level, and incorporates many study skills, vital for both A Level and university study.

The exam is graded from 1 to 9, with most universities demanding a minimum of level 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each module of listening, reading, writing and speaking. The exam is most likely taken at Reading University in the December of Upper 6th Form, depending on the pupil’s circumstances, or in the summer term of Lower 6th if the pupil is ready. 
 

Pupils of English at The Oratory are encouraged to challenge themselves outside the classroom, by being involved in initiatives such as the Man Booker and Carnegie Shadowing Schemes as well as external poetry and essay competitions.

We offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities for all ages and run a number of societies including The Oratory Book Club, Sixth Form Literary Society, The Oratorian Magazine Society, Creative Writing Club, Film Club and Linguistic Society.

The Department is committed to making the study of English come to life for pupils and so we take each year group on theatre trips and National Theatre Live screenings, as well as inviting in Guest Speakers to give lectures and seminars.

English Language equips pupils with a range of transferable skills which can lead to a variety of degrees such as Linguistics, Politics, Journalism, Law, Media Studies and Communication Studies at degree level. Many who study the subject go on to careers in Journalism, Publishing, Teaching, Law, Advertising, Television and Media.

English Literature is a highly regarded subject that can take pupils on to many courses of study. With its emphasis on analysis, essay writing, communication and debate, it is an excellent choice for Arts and Humanities subjects such as History, Classics, Languages, Drama and Theatre Studies. It can also open doors for those considering careers in industries such as Journalism, Media, Publishing, Teaching, Politics, Business and Law.