English
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The English Department is housed in a three-storey Victorian house. There are seven classrooms, a drama room, a critical library, and substantial audio-visual facilities. The teaching atmosphere reflects the building: it is closely knit and adaptable, with its emphasis on open discussion, attention to detail, and the central importance of a tolerant civilised spirit. Each boy is encouraged to read widely, to talk and listen, and to develop his understanding.In the Lower and Middle School all classes take both English and English Literature GCSEs, and for a large number this leads to A level English. There are four sets at each level in the Sixth Form, each taught by two specialists, with a further small group for those who wish to take English as a fourth A level in two-thirds of the normal time.
There is a steady flow of pupils to read English at University: the Department has an established record at Oxbridge, and places boys at a wide range of other universities.
Above all, our aim is to develop in our pupils a discriminatory interest in and love of novels, plays, poems, and films, in the hope that this is carried on throughout their adult lives.