English

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug known to man."  -Rudyard Kipling 

Language as a tool for communication is important and precious, and the English language has become particularly important because of its wide usage throughout the world. In English classes, you can discover the possibilities of language and communication, escape to other worlds, to other cultures and traditions, to fantastic lands full of extraordinary characters.

Where else could homework be a chance to free your mind, to explore the thoughts and feelings of any character alive, dead or imaginary? English at Sunny View is taught by a team of two specialists who meet regularly to sustain and evolve teaching and learning. Our aim is simple: to realise every student's full potential as a reader, writer, speaker and listener. We try to achieve this aim through a variety of both traditional and innovative approaches and, above all, try to inculcate a sense of the joy to be derived from language and literature. We have devised our own flexible English programme for Years 7, 8 and 9, leading to a two-year IGCSE course for Year 10 and 11.

English Language IGCSE

The IGCSE English course aims to ensure that all students learn to communicate effectively in writing, to understand and respond imaginatively and critically to what they hear, to read and experience in a variety of media and to enjoy both modern and classical literature in all its forms.

The English course in Years 10 and 11 leads to an award in IGCSE Language. Our chosen course is designed by Edexcel.

The English Language IGCSE will help you to develop your writing, reading skills through a series of examinations at the end of the course. The reading on the English course acts as a kind of spring board to show how different writing techniques can be used to create meaning. Our main text here is Anthology for Edexcel IGCSE in English Language.

English Literature IGCSE

The English Literature course is structured to allow students to engage with a wide range of literary texts from around the world. They are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the ways in which writers use literary effects and develop the skills needed for literary study. Above all we encourage the students to find enjoyment in reading literature.

The literature we study is as follows:

• Jane Austin - Pride and Prejudice
• Harper Lee - To Kill a Mockingbird  
• Arthur Miller - A View from The Bridge
• William Shakespeare - Romeo and Juliet

English Literature International A Level

English Literature is more like the English that you will know from your previous studies. If you enjoy the discussion of poetry, prose and plays and have an appreciation of the skill and magic in literature, then this is for you. English Literature requires you to be able to analyse and discuss literary texts, debate ideas about literacy, culture and society which are essential skills valued by universities and employers. The department has a successful track record of excellent results at both A/S and A2 level.

Which other subjects link well with this subject?

The English Literature option requires pupils to have effective essay skills and the ability to analyse and formulate original opinions; it links naturally with subjects like History, and Human Geography. However, English Literature can work with practically any subject combination.

What career paths would this course lead to?

As mentioned, English Literature is a highly valued course that will give students a sound footing in skills and knowledge to go into any job or course reliant on close study, analysis or reading.

What specific skills will I learn?

• Close analysis skills
• Research and evaluation
• Independent learning including personalised selection of texts and essay questions
• Creative writing, comparative skills, critical analysis and essay writing techniques
• The ability to stretch yourself and think deeply about the context and true meanings of texts