English Department

The mission of the English Department at Sion Manning RC Girls’ School is to promote literacy – specifically the ability to speak, read, write, and think critically.

This mission includes the development of literate students who can gather, analyse, and communicate information effectively as well as think creatively and draw independent conclusions.  These are the key skills necessary to our students securing a successful future in today’s increasingly information-based economy.

The Department fosters these skills through a varied and balanced curriculum.  In each year students study:

  • a Shakespeare play;  
  • a classic or modern novel;
  • classic or modern poetry;
  • non-fiction and literary non-fiction texts;
  • functional and creative writing;
  • speaking and listening;
  • moving image;
  • grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Students are introduced to the skills of critical thinking, reading, and writing from year 7 culminating in GCSE English and GCSE English Literature examinations in years 10 and 11. Our most able students have the opportunity to study fast track GCSE English which enables them to study at AS Level in year 11.  Across all years our focus includes cultural and literary traditions, as well as skills of analysis, criticism, and written argument.

The department’s objectives include the development of:

  • confidence in communication;
  • independent thinking and critical skills that enable students to assess the values that literature expresses;
  • analytical skills to question the ways in which art and literature represent and promote certain value systems;
  • the ability to write effective critical argument in response to the content and presentation of texts and writers’ ideas, attitudes and feelings;
  • the ability to explore the cultural diversity of literature;
  • the ability to write technically effective prose;
  • the ability to use ICT to acquire and process knowledge;
  • the place and importance of the visual arts in supporting and enhancing understanding of literature;
  • the skills to realize each student’s own intellectual and creative goals.

Through the teaching of these objectives our students learn to communicate effectively by applying critical and analytical skills to their writing.  Also at Sion Manning, through the study of Literature, we promote an understanding of cultural, social, and political issues.


English as an Additional Language

At Sion Manning RC Girls’ School, about 50 % of the girls have English as an Additional Language (EAL). They have another language, or other languages at home or in their background. That makes them bi-, or often multilingual. We are proud of the rich diversity that makes up our Sion Manning community.

We make sure that we are aware of all the languages that our girls bring with them when they come to our school. They reason is simple: the better we know our girls, the better we can teach them. The languages that we speak and understand are an essential part of our identity.

Girls whose fluency in English is still developing may have difficulty coping with the language of the lessons and the materials that they use in class. We call this “accessing the curriculum”. Depending on their need, they can be offered support in their studies. This can be in class, or in small groups. It can be through adapted lesson materials, or through lessons that have planned and even taught jointly between the subject teacher and the EAL specialist teacher.