English

Highgate’s English Department aims to develop an enduring engagement with, and enthusiasm for the subject, with all pupils studying English Language and English Literature as part of our core curriculum to GCSE at Year 11. Our school has a distinguished literary tradition – the poets Nicholas Rowe (Laureate 1715-18), Gerard Manley Hopkins and Sir John Betjeman were all educated here.

GCSE English Language and English Literature are separately examined and each deliver a broad range of texts, with pupils learning to read critically, developing their skills of evaluation and analysis, and to inform and improve the accuracy and efficacy of their writing compositions.

In Sixth Form, A Level English Literature encourages students to develop a questioning approach to literature and close analytical skills, whilst encouraging much wider reading across different literary movements and time frames. In addition to exploring the cultural, social and political contexts of texts, alongside different critical interpretations.

We use innovative ways to promote reading with initiatives such as the ‘Highgreat’ book recommendations list and the library book bingo challenge to encourage pupils to choose more diverse publications. We place a strong focus on creative writing, with regular talks by renowned authors and the annual Lyttelton Prize for the declamation of poetry. We also publish The Windhover, a pupil-led creative writing and arts magazine every year.

Find out more about how we promote reading at Highgate in our blog here.