The English Department
The English Department at Summer Fields operates a flexible curriculum which balances linguistic and literary work according to the boys’ ability. The National Literacy Strategy shapes the work of the early years, although it is not followed slavishly. In the Mynors (Year 3), First and Second Years, the emphasis is naturally upon technical accuracy and the acquisition of basic literacy skills. However, self-contained pieces of verse and prose, or extracts, are also explored for what they can teach us about the craft of writing and the life of the imagination.
As boys move into the senior part of the School, the Common Entrance syllabus influences, although again it does not wholly dictate, our teaching. The ability to read non-fictional prose, fiction, drama and poetry, and to produce high quality imaginative writing, are all core C.E. skills. Scholarship papers are less predictable, but are predominantly literary in emphasis and can only be prepared for by wide reading of a range of literature from the sixteenth century to the present day. Accordingly, Upper Remove and Vth Form have a more demanding course of study than Common Entrance forms.
Work is differentiated for boys with learning difficulties, and the members of the Department work closely with colleagues in the Learning Support Department.