English
Whether pupils take English at A Level or not, we want all of them find the experience of studying English enjoyable and enlightening, and to leave King Edward’s with a range of skills that will benefit them in the future lives. We encourage a love of reading as well as the skills to analyse, interpret and appreciate texts. A number of societies across the school offer pupils to develop their communication skills further and deepen their understanding of literature, including the Debating Society and the Byron Society.
The English Department is housed in the school’s original main building and teaches from a wide selection of texts, including novels, plays, poetry collections and various non-fiction texts.
The English Department works closely with library staff to ensure English students have the chance to make regular use of the school’s excellent libraries. All 1st Year students have a library induction and all Lower School students have fortnightly lessons in the Gould Library as part of their English course.
Head of Department, Dr Schofield, shares more about English at King Edward VI School.
Year 7
In Year 7, students will study a range of texts and sources to develop understanding of:
- prose
- punctuation
- descriptive writing techniques
- comprehension
- research skills
- Shakespeare language basics
- Drama
- Non-fiction media
- poetry
Year 8
In Year 8, new texts and sources will be used to acquire the following skills:
- narrative writing
- deduction
- writing skills
- text analysis
- context
- drama
- essay writing
- character analysis
- persuasive writing
- speaking and listening techniques
Year 9
In Year 9, students will develop their understanding of Shakespearian language, through the study of Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. Students ability to analyse and compare texts will play a bigger role, specifically looking at different forms of poetry and non-fiction texts.
Year 10
In the Year 10 and Year 11 at King Edward’s, students will be studying the AQA and CIE specification for GCSE English. To prepare for examinations, students will study a range of texts.
Year 11
In Year 10 and Year 11 at King Edward’s, students will be studying the AQA and CIE specification for GCSE English. To prepare for examinations, students will study a range of texts.
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
The English Department works closely with library staff to ensure English students have the chance to make regular use of the school’s excellent libraries. All Year 7 students have a library induction and all Lower School students have fortnightly lessons in the Gould Library as part of their English course.
A number of societies across the school offer the pupils the opportunity to develop their communication skills further and deepen their understanding of literature, including the Debating Society and Upper School LitSoc. The following clubs and societies are available to Senior School students:
- Creative Writing - Chance to write and discuss all aspects of creative writing and composing (Upper School & Sixth Form)
- Debating Society - Debating on a variety of subject weekly (all years)
- Upper School LitSoc - Presentations, competitions and lectures to explore aspects of literature in greater depth (Upper School)
- Booker Prize Challenge - Presentations, competitions and lectures to explore aspects of literature in greater depth (Year 11 and Sixth Form)
- IGCSE Clinics - These take place in the Spring Term on different sections of the papers (Year 11)
Meet The Staff
If you have a specific question for the English Department, please use ajs@kes.hants.sch.uk.
| Dr A.J. Schofield BA, MA, PhD | Head of English |
| Miss H.K. Arnold MA | Second in Department, i/c English Language A Level |
| Mr W.E. Collinson BA MPhil | English, Deputy Head (Pastoral) |
| Mrs S.Evans BA | English, Head of Year - Upper School |
| Miss H.L Goodsell MA | English, Lead Practitioner, Partnerships Coordinator |
| Mrs J.L. Gunton BA | Second in Department, i/c GCSE, ITT Tutor |
| Ms C.E. Pyne BA, MA | Teacher of English |
| Mrs E.B. Rawson BA, MA | Teacher of English |
| Ms L. Dara BA | Teacher of English |
| Dr A.J Wilson BA, MA, PhD | Teacher of English |
