English at The Academy at Shotton Hall is an immersive experience, exposing students to classics such as Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to the more modern and Gothic-themed, ‘Coraline’.
Students will visit Caliban’s island and discover how Prospero and Miranda came to be there. Is Caliban a victim or villain? They will be transported back to the frontline in 1914 as they explore a range of war poetry and experience what life was like in the trenches; Dracula, Frankenstein, Jekyll & Hyde are to name but a few of the frightening characters they will meet throughout their time in English…
In addition to this, students will learn how to write effectively and articulately in a plethora of styles. For example, structuring an argument on what grinds your gears: T.V adverts, babies crying or teachers making you work in silence? Students also learn how to write like a pro and bag themselves a grade 9 with a range of fool-proof writing techniques created by the English department!
Our ‘Keys to Success’ literacy programme ensures students learn the basics to help them not only in English but across the whole curriculum. Students enjoy English because it is varied, fast-paced and fun. Every student is inspired to believe in their potential and to aim high.
It’s not only English lessons that are exciting at the academy; English teachers also fully immerse themselves in a range of English and Literacy-themed events throughout the year including World Book Day where staff from all departments pull out all the stops to come to school dressed as literary characters.
Our school newspaper ‘Spotlight’ is published every term and Newspaper Club is run by English teachers, Miss Jamieson and Miss Smith. In addition, the English department hosts many after school clubs including a Creative Writing Club and Reading Club which are very popular with our students.