English

The aims of Bristol Grammar School, as stated in the school's Charter of 1532, are '... to educate the children of Bristol in good habits, or character, and literature'. In essence, the aim of the English Department remains very much the same today: to promote a respect for, and love of, the spoken and written word.

We are seven full-time specialists and two part-time teachers. Our pupils are able to encounter a number of different teachers in their time at the School – usually between three and five in their first five years. We believe that variety of teacher and approach is not only enjoyable and stimulating, but also helps to teach pupils how different methods or approaches – all equally valid – each have a part to play in developing their knowledge and practice of the subject. Underpinning all, however, is a shared belief in the primacy of the text and of the value of literature.

Years 7, 8 and 9 are taught in their forms. From Year 10 upward there are seven sets in English. All Year 11 pupils are entered for both English and English Literature (OCR Examination Board) GCSEs.

Facilities

The department enjoys the teaching facilities of a large, recently refurbished building. We also have access to the Mackay Theatre, IT suites, a specialist English library and a departmental office.

Field trips

We aim to encourage our pupils to see English as more than just 'a school subject'. We arrange numerous theatre trips, cultural visits and an annual literary field trip, as well as organising drama productions and an annual verse-speaking competition. We understand the importance of making English both interesting and enjoyable.

Visiting authors

Each year we invite a number of visiting authors to talk about their work, writing and careers. Our most recent authors have included Morris Gleitzman, Tim Bowler, Michael Morpurgo, Gillian Cross, Aidan Chambers and Anthony Horowitz. We also make numerous theatre trips and take the Sixth Form on an expedition, Stratford, London and Hardy’s Wessex being popular venues. Pupils in Year 8 have great fun shadowing the jury for the annual Carnegie Award.

Competitions

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 compete annually for the Puffin Prize, a short story writing competition judged by editors at Puffin books. Pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11 compete in the same way for the Allen Lane Prize, a story writing competition judged by editors at Penguin books. In addition, Redwall author Brian Jacques sponsors an annual prize for the most improved writer in Years 7 and 8.

For details of the English GCSE curriculum please visit www.ocr.org.uk