English

At long last, we have a full Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 cohort, and identities, both those we display and those we concealed, is a running theme in English classes across all our Year groups.

Whilst the Year 7s explore alter egos and aspects of the hidden self, the Year 11s are reading perhaps the most famous example of the concept in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde!

Our Year 10s are unveiling the secrets and lies of the Birling family in our reading of An Inspector Calls and the Year 8s have started the year reading Edgar Allen Poe’s Cask of Amontillado, in which a vengeful protagonist must conceal his true intentions and desires to exact his revenge!

Do not worry, it is not just about hiding your identity, but also finding and embracing your true one. The Year 9s have been able to read and analyse Maya Angelou’s Phenomenal Woman, a poem dedicated to self-acceptance and loving who you are.

Below you can read what some of our GCSE students think of the GCSE English content:

English is one of, if not the best subject I attend at school. One reason is definitely the teachers who not only allow us to achieve high grades but also allow us to enjoy the lessons. Last year, we covered An Inspector Calls and Romeo and Juliet, but we have most recently started reading Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Although it has been great so far, I still think An Inspector Calls will remain my favourite!  Thomas, 11 E7

This year, in English, we have been learning about Jekyll and Hyde. Although it is pretty old and is filled with challenging language, we have been breaking it down and making sure we understand and can use even the most ambitious vocabulary. In preparation for our GCSEs, we have been doing a lot of exam style responses both in class and as home learning. This has been particularly useful when it comes to improving our work.  Isabelle, 11 E6

Despite starting our GCSE content, English has still been fun and engaging. An Inspector Calls is a really engaging play with some varied and intriguing characters.  Elliot, 10 Holborn