The Lancing College English Department has two aims: to foster in the students of the College a love of reading and writing, and to ensure students write, read, speak and listen to a high level, especially in English and English Literature examinations at IGCSE.
Learning within the Department is designed to open students’ minds, to support their work across the curriculum, and to enrich their future personal, scholarly and professional lives.
Writing tasks are creative as well as critical. Senior School students are expected to practise writing in different forms and voices, and at all times to pay attention to their level of accuracy. Enthusiasm and elegance are valued highly. Regular personalised feedback is offered.
About the Curriculum
Third Form teaching is not directed towards a public examination, but towards the department’s own objectives. At the moment the Fourth and Fifth Forms are spent preparing students for two qualifications: CIE IGCSE First Language English and CIE IGCSE English Literature.
The course allows students to develop the ability to communicate clearly, accurately and effectively when speaking and writing; to learn how to use a wide range of vocabulary and correct grammar, spelling and punctuation; and to develop a personal style and awareness of the audience being addressed. Students are encouraged to read widely for enjoyment and to develop their awareness of the ways English can be used. The teaching encourages more general communication skills such as synthesis, inference, and the ability to order facts and present opinions effectively.
Learning approach
In the Third to Fifth Form pupils are set on the basis of ability, enabling them to learn at a pace best suited to their individual strengths and needs. Lower sets tend to be smaller than the top sets, enabling pupils to benefit from even more individual attention and feedback.
In class pupils work individually and collaboratively; private reading, reflection and analysis are an integral part of learning. Pupils are exposed to written and spoken English in all its variety, and are guided and encouraged to develop their own critical, analytical and creative writing.
Learning within the classroom is supported and furthered by a flexible approach to pupils in need of additional academic help. Pupils are further supported through regular clinics, and the setting, checking and formative marking of work. In addition to this, all teachers offer regular revision support to those taking examinations and examination retakes.
Enrichment
Pupils are provided with manifold extra-curricular opportunities to engage with literature and language including theatre trips, creative writing classes, poetry and essay competitions, workshops, reading groups and literary excursions. In the annual Poetry by Heart competition all pupils in the school are encouraged to memorise a poem and recite it to their teachers and peers. Last year more than 400 pupils took part, and in some years nearly 80% of our pupils have risen to the challenge of learning poetry by heart.
Careers
The ability to write and think clearly is the foundation of every aspect of professional life. There is no skill employers value more highly.
