Welcome to the English Faculty, which is one of the largest in the school, with over 20 specialist English teachers. The department is led by the Heads of Key Stage 3: Mrs V Cripps ( 0.8); Mr C Brown ( 0.2); Ms K Terry (KS4) and Mrs A Webb (KS5).

All students at Maiden Erlegh follow the English National Curriculum in Years 7 and 8; we treat Year 9 as a preparatory year for KS4.

When they reach Year 10, students move onto the GCSE course with Edexcel. All students will take both English Language and English Literature, with some students also being entered for Entry Level or Functional Skills qualifications where appropriate. We strive to offer students a diverse range of literary texts that will engage and inspire them.

At KS5, three A Level subjects are currently offered: English Language, English Literature and Film Studies. All three subjects are popular options which build on their GCSE studies to provide students with new challenges and a wide variety of texts and approaches to enjoy. Each course provides opportunities for students to choose their own areas for independent study whether that be developing a Marxist interpretation of a 20^th century novel or an exploration of a chosen genre and the opportunity to craft two original texts. Many students choose to continue their English or related studies at undergraduate level but the courses also provide students with a strong foundation in written and spoken language, as well as transferable skills which will serve them well regardless of their future pathway.

Outside the taught curriculum, we are keen to involve pupils and students in enjoying and developing their reading and writing through a range of extra-curricular opportunities, including competitions and clubs. We also look for opportunities to enhance study through off-site trips. Recent trips have included visits to the Guardian newspaper, Frantic Assembly’s Othello, local productions of GCSE set texts and A Level study days. We also welcome a visiting interactive production of our GCSE Shakespeare text each year which our Year 10 students thoroughly enjoy.  

As well as fostering a life-long enjoyment and/or appreciation of literature and language, we work hard to ensure that our curriculum effectively prepares students for all aspects of their future lives.

Miss E Roberts – Assistant Headteacher - Standards Lead for English