English
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Our Aims
The pupil who has studied English at Belfast Royal Academy should leave the School with a love of reading, an appreciation of literature, a keen critical insight and a well-developed ability to communicate, both orally and in writing. Concentration on the core functional areas of reading, writing, speaking and use of ICT equips pupils with the essential skills that are the bedrock of a good education and prepares them well for the world of work. We also believe that the study of English should be enjoyable and empowering, encouraging participation through a wide range of teaching techniques, thus fostering a pupil’s confidence and character.
Opportunities to write creatively, participate in external and internal competitions, attend professional drama productions and to become involved in the cultural life of the School and the community are made widely available and promoted for all pupils.
Staff
Mr W Spence
Head of Department
Mrs K Black
Teacher
Miss L Craig
Teacher
Miss R Christie
Teacher
Ms W Graham
Teacher
Miss J Herron
Teacher
Ms T McBeth
Teacher
Dr O Mort
Teacher
Mrs J Smyth
Teacher
Miss S Tinman
Teacher
Miss H Watson
Teacher
Curriculum
Key Stage 3
The variety of Reading, Writing and Speaking & Listening activities covered in the Junior School are designed to provide the pupils with a solid foundation for GCSE study.
GCSE
Pupils follow the CCEA specification which entails 40% Controlled Assessment and 60% written examination.
AS & A Level
The AQA English Language specification is followed. Pupils study how our lives are shaped by, and expressed through, language.
Facilities & Resources
English is taught in the purpose-built Louis Lord Building, which houses specialist rooms and utilises the latest computing and data projection technology. The School Library, under the care of our dedicated Librarians, Mrs Corcoran and Miss McAtamney, plays an important role in awakening pupils to the joys of reading and is supplemented by classroom libraries. In First and Second Form pupils enjoy a weekly Library and Information Skills period.
Additional Information
We embrace the many opportunities on offer through our subject. For example, we run a Junior Book Fair in September. We also hold competitions and events to celebrate National Poetry Day and World Book Day. We have had visits from Colin Bateman, Alec Williams and Alan Gibbons and some of our pupils have met Derek Landy, Anthony Horowitz and Darren Shan. Pupils regularly have success in external competitions and pupil work has been published in anthologies such as Poetry in Motion, Young Writers, Children-in-Crossfire as well as in “The Owl”. Pupils also participate in a sponsored read (Read On) where money is raised for the NI Cancer Fund for Children. We have a very keen Junior Debating Club and many of our pupils have met with success in Senior Debating and Public Speaking Competitions. In addition, we have two Reading Groups – The Classics Book Club and The Reading Group. All meet regularly to share the enthusiasm we have for books and reading. In 2018 the Department also launched a Literary Journal for creative writing.
