The English Department comprises 8 specialist English teachers.

The Department is housed in a self-contained block with eight classrooms, which are used exclusively by English staff. Further space is provided with a central area, which is frequently used for Drama, speaking and listening and other small group activities.

Throughout the school pupils are taught according to their ability; all work is fully differentiated.

Pupils follow the National Curriculum in Years 7, 8 and 9 that culminates in SATS in English during May of Year 9. Throughout we aim to develop basic skills, foster a love of literature and encourage them to use their critical faculties: respond, reason and substantiate, in other words, make them think! Talking to your son or daughter about books or magazines you have both read, films or television programmes you have both watched or items in the news all helps them to develop this important ability. 

From Year 10 (Key Stage 4) students begin their GCSE courses. We follow the NEAB specification in English and English Literature and Media Studies. Students are grouped according to their ability but all groups complete coursework concurrently. Coursework marks make a considerable contribution to a student’s final examination grade. English Literature,

English Language, Literature and Media ‘A’ and ‘A/S’ levels are extremely popular with Sixth formers.

We are pleased with the examination success within the Department. Results at KS3, GCSE, A/S and A2 are consistently good.

Despite the pressures of examinations and National Curriculum requirements we do our best to make learning an enjoyable experience for staff and students. During your son or daughter’s time at Furze Platt we hope that they make the most of the extra curricular activities that we are able to offer, such as theatre trips and visiting theatre groups and academic conferences.