In English, students will be able to provide evidence of achievements against demanding, fulfilling and diverse content, giving them confidence in their literacy skills, knowledge and understanding of language, literature, contexts, society and culture.

The English department will provide a strong foundation for further academic and vocational study and employment, to help students progress to a full range of courses in further and higher education.

In the study of English Language Students will be able to:

• Read a wide range of texts fluently and with good understanding
• Read critically and use the knowledge gained from wider reading to inform and improve their own writing
• Write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately
• Use grammar correctly, punctuate and spell accurately
• Acquire and apply a vast vocabulary alongside knowledge and understanding of grammatical terminology, and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• Listen to and understand spoken language, and use spoken Standard English effectively

In the study of English Literature students will be able to:

• Read a wide range of classic and contemporary literature fluently and with good understanding, and make connections across their reading
• Read in depth, critically and evaluatively, so that they are able to discuss and explain their understanding and ideas
• Develop the habit of reading widely, often and for pleasure
• Appreciate the depth and power of the English literary heritage as well as developing the appreciation of literature from other cultures
• Write accurately, effectively and analytically about their reading, using Standard English
• Acquire and use a wide vocabulary, including grammatical terminology, and other literary and linguistic terms they need to criticise and analyse what they read.