Welcome to the English department. In this section of the website, you will find important information for the department as well as some useful links to our curriculum page. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
| Role | Teacher | |
| Miss A. Cresswell | Head of Department | acresswell@brs.srscmat.co.uk |
| Ms M. Goodwin | Deputy Headteacher | mgoodwin@brs.srscmat.co.uk |
| Mrs P. Harkin | Head of Year | pharkin@brs.srscmat.co.uk |
| Miss E. Waters | Head of Year | ewaters@brs.srscmat.co.uk |
| Mrs N. Owen | Teacher of English & Strong Foundations Lead | nowen@brs.srscmat.co.uk |
| Mrs W. Harper | Teacher of English and Cover Supervisor | wharper@brs.srscmat.co.uk |
| Mrs A. Nixon | Head of Performing Arts | anixon@brs.srscmat.co.uk |
Within English, home learning will be set on a weekly basis by the class teacher. Students will be able to find this on Arbor and should have written the task and deadline in their planner.
We use a hybrid of online platforms e.g. Seneca, which is an online subject specific question-based platform, and Educake, which is an online home learning platform which links directly to the exam boards that we teach at KS4, and paper homework for extended written pieces. As your child moves into KS4, homework will begin to incorporate exam practice questions to prepare them for sitting their GCSE.
If your child is unable to access home learning online, please ensure that the department are aware so that accessible homework can be set for your child.
Seneca Learning – https://senecalearning.com/en-GB/
Educake – https://www.educake.co.uk/
You will need your pencil case with you every lesson with the whole school expected equipment. We recommend that you have 4 different colour highlighters or coloured pens to support annotation of text. In addition, you should have your subject knowledge organiser and a reading book. It is essential that you have your mini whiteboard, whiteboard pens and a rubber with you every lesson which will form part of your knowledge retrieval exercises and quizzes in class.
You will need to ensure that you put your equipment on the desk at the start of each lesson along with your planner as they all form part of your learning.
In English, we strive to acknowledge our students’ successes. Students will experience reward and recognition through the school newsletter, postcards and letters home as well as through Arbor which achievement points and golden tickets will be awarded.
Reading is at the heart of our English curriculum. We aim to develop confident, independent readers who can understand, analyse and evaluate a wide range of texts from different periods, cultures and perspectives. Strong reading skills support success across all subjects and help students engage critically with the world around them.
We are equally committed to promoting reading for pleasure. Students are encouraged to read widely beyond the classroom through carefully selected year-group reading lists featuring fiction, non-fiction, poetry and contemporary texts. Regular reading helps to develop vocabulary, empathy, cultural awareness and academic achievement.
Vocabulary and subject terminology are explicitly taught throughout the curriculum. Students learn ambitious vocabulary alongside key literary and linguistic terms, enabling them to discuss texts and express ideas with increasing precision and confidence. To support independent learning, students have access to vocabulary lists and glossaries linked to each unit of study. Together, reading and vocabulary development form the foundation of success in English and beyond.
Vocab lists to come
English equips students with the communication, analytical and critical thinking skills that are highly valued by colleges, universities and employers. After completing GCSE English Language and English Literature, students may choose to continue their studies through A-Level courses in English Literature, English Language, or combined Language and Literature programmes at local post-16 centres and colleges.
A-Level English Literature focuses on the study of novels, plays and poetry from different time periods. Students explore how writers present ideas, themes and characters, while developing sophisticated analytical and evaluative skills. Independent reading and coursework are key elements of the course.
A-Level English Language examines how language is used in everyday life. Students study topics such as language change, language and identity, child language development, and spoken and written communication. The course combines linguistic analysis with original writing and research.
GCSE Poetry Live! Featuring Simon Armitage, John Agard and Carol Ann Duffy – February 2027
Students can attend theatre trips and live performances, allowing them to experience texts in new and engaging ways while developing their understanding of dramatic performance. We also offer reading and debate clubs, where students can explore their interests, discuss ideas and develop confidence in their communication skills.
Throughout the year, the department celebrates several national literary events, including National Poetry Week and World Book Day. These occasions provide opportunities for competitions, creative activities, author engagement and whole-school celebrations of reading and writing.
We use the AQA exam board for GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language.
You will find links to the exam board’s specification and recommended revision materials below:
GCSE English 8700 | Specification | Specification At A Glance | AQA
GCSE English 8702 | Specification | Specification At A Glance | AQA
We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality revision resources throughout their English studies. To support learning both in the classroom and at home, the department provides bespoke revision guides and workbooks that are carefully tailored to our curriculum, texts and assessment requirements.
In addition, students and families can purchase recommended revision materials through ParentPay, including CGP Revision Guides and Collins Study Guides, which provide further opportunities for independent study and exam preparation.
Throughout Key Stage 4, students are equipped with a range of past examination papers, model responses and examiner-style materials. These resources help students develop their understanding of assessment objectives, recognise the features of successful answers and build confidence in applying their knowledge under exam conditions.
The English Department strives to prepare students for life after school! We believe it’s invaluable that students are inundated with a range of skills that will help them to be successful after they leave us. Some of the things we do are:
As well as this, students are made aware of careers paths that English can take them down. Having an English degree can open many different careers for students, such as:
This list is not exhaustive and is ever-changing. Having an English degree or some form of education in English opens so many routes for students.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s English teacher.
