English

Head of Department

Mrs R Holder (rhr@priorycofe.com)

Teaching Staff

Mrs C Fox (Second in Department, Maternity Leave)
Mr M Everall (mel@priorycofe.com)
Mrs S Everall (sel@priorycofe.com)
Mr N Mentz (nmz@priorycofe.com)
Miss L Parkins (lps@priorycofe.com)
Mr E Larkin (eln@priorycofe.com)

Department Information

Departmental Aim: Develop effective communication skills

We teach our students to read and study a wide range of challenging texts, with a focus on understanding how writers use language and structure to create meaning. This involves evaluation and analysis, the use of literary terminology and also an understanding of the contexts in which the texts have been written and received.

Students acquire literary knowledge from different time periods, genres and across a variety of cultures and contexts.

The reading of varied texts dovetails with a detailed understanding of how to write for effect. The art of descriptive and narrative writing are taught, as well as the art of rhetoric for varied formats and audiences.

KS3 Overview

Y7 – Texts Through Time – A study of texts from across the ages. From classical myths to Shakespeare, to World War 1 poetry, to Animal Farm – an introduction to the key concepts. themes and language change that help us to understand the journey that literature has taken to modern times. Study of the texts is paired with descriptive, creative and non-fiction writing.

Y8 – A study of genres such as Dystopia, Autobiography, Comedy and the Gothic. All texts are accompanied by the study of non-fiction texts and writing skills.

Y9 – Power, Protest and Conflict is our overarching theme for Year 9. A range of texts is studied: poetry, prose (Boys Don’t Cry) and Romeo and Juliet. All texts are accompanied by the study of non-fiction texts and a range of writing skills.

KS4 Overview

The skills for English Language and Literature are studied alongside each other to allow pupils to understand the connections. English Literature Text Choices: English Literature Paper 1: Macbeth (William Shakespeare), A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens) English Literature Paper 2: Blood Brothers (Willy Russell), Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology (AQA), unseen poetry

Enrichment Opportunities

We also use feature film, archive video footage and video lectures to add to pupils’ understanding.

Key Stage 4 drop-in sessions are available for support and guidance from experienced staff.

We have some opportunities for off site visits, such as Poetry Live! and theatre trips.

Contact Us

Main Office: 01306 887 337
Student Absence: 01306 878 784
Finance Office: 01306 878 796

The Priory School
West Bank
Dorking
RH4 3DG