BELFAST HIGH SCHOOL
ENGLISH
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R. R. Martin
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At Belfast High School, teachers provide a stimulating, engaging learning experience, which aims to instil a love of learning and literature, while developing students as communicators.
By providing a balanced selection of topics at KS3, which ensure progression, enjoyment and challenge, students are well prepared for examination success at GCSE, A Level and beyond.
Head of Department
Mr D Young MA PGCE
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Teaching Staff
Mr A Fox BA (Hons) PGCE
Mrs L Gormley-Bateman BA (Hons) PGCE
Dr J King MA PhD
Mrs N McKeown BA (Hons) PGCE
Mrs K Rosbotham BA (Hons) PGCE
CURRICULUM
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, students will encounter a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction writing, which are used to develop an appreciation of the writer’s craft. Our varied topics include Autobiography and Personal Writing in Year 8, Dystopia and Creative Writing in Year 9 and Persuasive Writing in Year 10.
GCSE
At GCSE, pupils follow the CCEA specifications for English Language and English Literature.
In English Language, students will have the opportunity to read and explore a wide range of texts, form independent views and learn how to challenge and argue their point of view. The examination elements of the course cover different modes of writing, as well as developing skills of analysis for literary texts and non-fiction writing. 20% of the course is Controlled Assessment and a further 20% is Speaking and Listening.
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In English Literature, students will have the opportunity to practise independent research and critical reading, building up their interest and enjoyment of literature while increasing their skills for future studies and employment. The examination elements of the course cover the study of Prose (including 19th century Unseen Prose), Drama and Poetry. All classes study the same texts: Of Mice and Men, An Inspector Calls and the Identity Anthology. Controlled Assessment is worth 20% and is based on a Shakespeare play; this varies annually depending on the stipulated theme.
A Level
At A Level, pupils follow the CCEA specification. At AS, topics covered include the poetry of Robert Frost and Seamus Heaney, A Streetcar Named Desire and Frankenstein. At A2, students will study Shakespearean Tragedy in the form of Othello, poetry by the American poet Emily Dickinson and Unseen Poetry. A comparison of two independently chosen novels is also completed.
Co-curricular Activities
The English Department also contributes to a range of co-curricular aspects of school life. Department members take a leading role in Creative Writing competitions, Public Speaking Competitions and the production of the student-led school newspaper.