English

Mark Wilson Head of Dept

The English Faculty at the Secondary School is responsible for delivering the English curriculum from grade 6 to grade 12. In fulfilling this responsibility our approach is informed by the school's philosophy (see elsewhere on this website).
In grades 6 to 10 we follow the IBMYP, using a curriculum designed by teachers in the English Faculty in accordance with published MYP Language A principles. To quote from the MYP Language A guide:

Studying Language A is essential for any student engaged in the Middle Years Programme, as it provides an academic rigour within its own subject group and also crosses the boundaries of the traditional disciplines. The teaching and learning of Language A is compulsory in every year of the programme. Each student needs the opportunity to study language and literature within this subject group.

The learning associated with Language A should lead to a close understanding of the fundamental concepts of the MYP:

• holistic learning
• intercultural awareness
• communication
  

In grades 11 and 12 we follow the IB diploma, offering English A1 at Standard Level and Higher Level and English A2 at Standard Level and Higher Level.

The English A1 programme is primarily a pre-university course in literature. It is aimed at students who intend to pursue literature or related studies, at university, as well as students whose formal study of literature will not continue beyond this level. The former would normally follow the Higher Level (HL) and the latter the Standard Level (SL).

English A2 is a language and literature course available to IB students. It is designed for students with a high level of competence in English, and can be studied at either Higher Level or Standard Level. The English A2 syllabus and assessment provide students with the opportunity to develop their analytical skills and an understanding of English language, literature and culture through the study of both literary and non-literary texts.