English Literature

Course summary

The English Department aims to ensure that FHS students become skilful, confident and perceptive in using and responding to English in all of its aspects. The English Language course is designed to nurture our students’ skills in written communication and to develop an appreciation of the various ways in which English can be used. There is an emphasis on broadening the range of the student’s vocabulary and promoting accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar. There is also a focus on reading skills, in particular those that are required in the analysis of both non-fiction and literary texts, including inference. Students develop their speaking and listening skills through class discussions and formal assessments. After GCSE, students’ writing and communication skills will be enhanced. We aim to develop enthusiasm for wider reading and an interest in interpreting and discussing texts in a variety of media. In English Literature, students are invited to explore a variety of texts across genres, including drama, poetry and novels. The IGCSE course develops students’ understanding of these texts, encouraging them to consider implicit meanings, relevant contexts, themes and authorial attitudes. In doing so, students’ communication skills and appreciation of cultural and moral values are enhanced. We also focus on developing the sophistication of textual analysis and encouraging reading for pleasure. The A Level course prepares the girls for the demands of A Level English Literature. It also teaches students how to structure cogent and coherent essays, which is a skill required in many other A Level subjects and at university. A Level English Literature is a popular subject choice in the Sixth Form and students from Francis Holland often go on to read English at the undergraduate level. The Department offers a stimulating curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9, which provides many enrichment opportunities. Students can expect to explore a Shakespeare play each year and a range of prose and poetry, including nineteenth-century novels and more contemporary texts. They will also study a range of non-fiction and media texts, including newspapers, advertising and film. Presentations are regularly given by the students, which complements the School’s strengths in Debating and Public Speaking. Many of our Lower School students participate in our Debating Society, as well as internal and external Debating and Public Speaking competitions. The Department also nurtures creative writing, and we emphasize the acquisition of new vocabulary. Basic skills (spelling, punctuation and grammar) are taught alongside core texts each year.