
READING INITIATIVES
In celebration of World Book Day, our Librarian, Mrs Minter talks about one of our new initiatives, Accelerated Reader designed to encourage pupils to widen their reading.
Bryanston’s thriving English Department is located in the heart of the main building.
In teaching English language and literature to a wide range of abilities the department is able to play to the strengths of both learner and teacher. In the lower school we focus on introducing pupils to the three main literary genres, giving them a solid grounding in analytical and conceptual writing. For the sixth form pupils, who study either A levels or the IB Diploma, there are plenty of opportunities to consider the subject beyond the syllabus, with off-site visits as well as visiting guest speakers, and we have a healthy number who apply to read English at university each year.
Emily Weatherby
Head of English
IGCSE English Literature (CIE – 0992)
IGCSE English Language (AQA – 8700)
Component 1 – Drama and poetry pre-1900 (exam – 40%)
Component 2 – Comparative and contextual study (exam - 40%)
Component 3 – Literature post-1900 (coursework – 20%)
Language Group 1 (Literature) – Higher and standard level.
Read a selection of the latest work by Bryanston pupils
Pupils have a range of opportunities to develop their creative writing through ECAs such as 'Writer's Room' (led by Nick Kelly and Simon Wheeler) or programmes such as the Creative Writing Studio led by David Caddy.
To improve literacy across the school, a number of initiatives have been organised to encourage pupils to read for pleasure and make it an indispensable part of the Bryanston experience.
The English Department regularly hosts a prep schools’ English day devoted to the work of a children’s author.
Each year pupils have the opportunity to study for the English Speaking Board’s (ESB) Grade 8 Advanced Certificate in Spoken English, a nationally recognised and accredited qualification.