English
English at Ashville is dynamic, inspiring and rigorous in equal measure. The English department is staffed by a number of subject specialists, each with their own enthusiasms.
All pupils study English Language and Literature from Yr 7 upwards. The aims of the department are to promote excellent levels of literacy so that students can express their ideas in both an oral and written form clearly and with sophistication, whatever their eventual calling in life may be. Beyond this, the department aims to encourage a life-long love of literature and language by exposing students to the study of great classic and contemporary works of fiction and non-fiction. The skills that students gain in their study of literature and language contribute greatly to their development as independent, interested and interesting human beings. Language and the way we use language is crucial to our understanding of ourselves, the way we perceive and decode the world around us and the way in which we are perceived by others – in that sense it is fundamental.
The English department is staffed by a number of subject specialists each with their own enthusiasms comprising a vibrant team. The Head of department is Mr G. Kurczij, supported in leading the department by Dr. C. Taylor (2nd in Department). Our other colleagues are Mrs F. Adamson, Mr B. McHugh, Miss C. Allan, Mrs W. Bennet, and Mrs E. Ekstein.
All pupils study English Language and Literature from Yr 7 upwards. During the first three years students are taught in mixed ability groups, following a structured, engaging and progressive curriculum assessing and developing the core skills of reading, writing and speaking and listening. All students then go on to study English Language at GCSE with the vast majority also being entered for English Literature. Both subjects are options at AS/A2 level with the department having healthy numbers across each and a good history of results.
The English department also offers wide ranging extra-curricular opportunities to its students, including debating and public speaking (with regular participation in national competitions), a flourishing creative writing society that has seen the work of its members published several times in anthologies created by national competitions, a book club that meets regularly to read and discuss contemporary fiction, and a film club, amongst others.
