English

The English Department continues to go from strength to strength. Students achieved at a high level in public examinations and a variety of extra curricular activities ran successfully. The examination results were impressive at A-Level and at AS, continuing to reflect the considerable effort and commitment shown by teachers and students alike. At A2 and AS levels the 100% pass rate was maintained and candidates achieved highly. English Language results were pleasing this year, with 70% of the students gaining an A or B grade at A2. In English Literature 30% of students gained A or A* grades and 90% achieved a B grade or higher. We are confident that next year's results will be equally pleasing for both courses and are delighted and excited in equal measure by the impressive results gained by AS students in the summer.

At GCSE, 48% of pupils achieved A* or A grades in English Literature with 96.7% gaining a C grade or higher. In Language, 92.5% passed with A* to C grades. There is, however, more work to be done in this area. The English Department has already invested a great deal of time and energy into the preparation of the new GCSE course and we look forward to a smooth transition to the new system of assessment.

The department has enjoyed a range of extra-curricular activities this year. Fiona Withers has coached teams for the Business and Professional Women's Association and Rotary Public Speaking Competitions, reaching the district final in the latter. Neil Walker directed a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream and oversaw the successful running of the first House Drama competition. Sixth Form Literature students attended study days on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Othello in Manchester. GCSE groups also benefited from performances and workshops at The Duke's Theatre in Lancaster on one of their GCSE set texts. Plans are already being made for similar events to take place in the coming year.

The Sixth Form Literature students joined their peers in the Drama Department when we visited Keswick for an overnight trip to see The Memory of Water and A Midsummer Night's Dream. They also had a guided tour of Dove Cottage in Grasmere, home of William Wordsworth for the period when he was at his most prolific as a poet. The weekend was extremely successful and we intend to make it a permanent fixture on the calendar.

This year, as well as continuing to maintain the progress made in all areas thus far, the department intends to further develop the Key Stage Three schemes of work, adapting accordingly to make sure that the transition to the new GCSE course will be as smooth as possible for students as they leave Year 9. Extra support will be offered to those interested in pursuing a university course in English.