Academic Subjects

    English

    Why do we read? One answer is that through fiction, drama and poetry we can more deeply understand what it means to be human. It helps us explore worlds vastly different from our own, and see them through the eyes of others. It makes us more empathetic.

    In the classroom, studying English literature, pupils sharpen their critical skills and their ability to empathise, and to appreciate the minds of the authors they are reading.

    And because the authors we study are not all contemporary, our pupils learn about the historical context, and the changes in society over time.

    Pupil reading book

    The English department at Bryanston is all about books, stories and words. We seek to inspire a love of language and literature, and to foster pleasure in intellectual enquiry, individual research and wide reading.

    We believe that if pupils read, they will learn to think for themselves. They are encouraged to read with an open mind, and to make personal, creative and thoughtful responses to literary works, to draft their own stories, plays and poems, and to write fluent, well-supported literary analysis.

    We aim to show pupils that words matter, and to help them make connections between works, and the biographical, historical and socio-cultural contexts which helped shape them. We seek to give pupils a grounding in the canon of English literature, but also encourage them to read works by international and diverse writers. We value open and productive relationships with pupils, and place emphasis upon flexibility and individual progress.

    Staircase to boarding house

    English pupils are taught to liberate their imaginations by learning to write in a wide range of styles and by finding their voice as creative writers. We want our pupils to leave Bryanston as adept writers as well as perceptive critics and readers with a love of literature.

    We offer a range of enriching extra-curricular activities. Pupils can join creative writing groups and the Literary Society, and attend inspiring author talks. We encourage pupils to enter external competitions.

    Our calendar includes a range of events such as trips to Hardy’s Dorchester and visits from distinguished figures like Sir Tom Stoppard and the poet laureate Simon Armitage.

    Pupils also enjoy regular theatre trips, with highlights including ‘Small Island,’ ‘Dancing at Lughnasa,’ and ‘Hamlet’ at The Old Vic in Bristol. in 2023/24 we took theatre trips to ‘Hamnet’, ‘Ulster American,’ and ‘The Motive and the Cue’.

    Boarding school pupils on way to class

    Examination results are, of course, at the forefront of our minds, but we seek also to look beyond examinations and develop study skills, interests, and qualities such as resilience and independence, that will be key to success after school.

    As well as GCSE English language, IGCSE English literature, A level and IB English A Literature, we offer junior and senior creative writing groups, a Literary Society, debating, and frequent author talks.

    We regularly enter pupils for external essay and short story competitions, and run our own annual literary composition and Shakespeare competitions.

    In addition to university-led seminars on Ted Hughes and The Power of the Dog, and a literary society trip to Hardy’s Dorchester, recent highlights include visits from Sir Tom Stoppard and the poet laureate, Simon Armitage, and trips to the National Theatre to see ‘Small Island’ and ‘Dancing at Lughnasa,’ and ‘Hamlet’ at The Old Vic in Bristol. In prospect for 2023-4 are visits to New York and Dublin.

    Our librarian

    Our librarian, Emma Minter, runs Ashmore, the school library. She curates a wonderful collection of fiction and non-fiction and manages the departmental book collections.

    She looks after subscriptions to periodicals and digital platforms such as Digital Theatre Plus and Drama Online, supervises library lessons, makes and distributes reading lists and helps individual students with academic research and referencing.

    Alice Bryanston School

    Beyond Bryanston

    Studying English offers numerous potential destinations and career paths for our pupils. Many pursue further studies in English literature or related fields at university.

    We offer pupils dedicated support for applications to Oxford and Cambridge and interview practice and guidance for Oxbridge applicants.

    Our English graduates currently pursue careers in writing, journalism, publishing, editing, marketing, advertising, public relations, media, law, teaching, academia, musical theatre, and game design.

    Our English curriculum at BRYANSTON

    • Year 9

      Pupils embark on an integrated language and literature course, studying various fiction and non-fiction genres. The curriculum focuses on developing essential reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Throughout the year, pupils read and examine works of prose, poetry, drama, and literary non-fiction.

    • GCSE English

      In IGCSE English Literature (CIE – 0992), pupils explore diverse literary texts, analysing genres, themes, and techniques, honing analytical skills and interpreting literature across periods and cultures. They join in discussions and complete assignments that deepen understanding, analytical thinking, and effective expression.

      From September 2024 most pupils will be doing English as a First Language (IGCSE CIE 0990). Some may instead be entered for an IGCSE in English as a second language.

    • A Level English

      OCR English Literature A Level requires a rigorous study of literature. It develops students’ appreciation and understanding of diverse texts from various periods, genres, and cultures.

      Pupils refine their ability to communicate, think creatively, and analyse. Coursework allows for personal research, critical evaluation, and the presentation of sophisticated arguments.

      The course is split into three components: drama and poetry pre-1900 (exam – 40%), comparative and contextual study (exam – 40%) and literature post-1900 (coursework – 20%)

    • IB English Literature

      In IB English Literature, pupils study nine works at standard level and 13 at higher level, including translations. The curriculum includes diverse literary forms and allows room for personal choice. Three prescribed works are selected at standard level, five at higher level, and pupils freely choose two works.

      The course has modules focusing on readers, writers, texts, time and space, and connecting texts. This flexible framework enables teachers and pupils to design personalised courses, exploring concepts like communication, identity, and global issues. It encourages pupils to connect texts with the world around them.

    English

    Our English teachers

    Our English department staff aim to share and inspire a lifelong love of language and literature.

    Emily Weatherby, a Pembroke College, Cambridge graduate, has taught at Bryanston since 2009.

    Previously a lawyer specialising in defamation, free speech, privacy, and copyright cases, she teaches all year groups, including IB and A level. Emily supervises IB Extended Essays and university applications for English and Law. Her interests include Chaucer, Victorian novels, and contemporary journalism.

    The department includes teachers with a wide variety of backgrounds, and correspondingly diverse interests and specialisms. Some are published writers, others accomplished musicians. All are phenomenally well-read.

    Academic Subjects