English

Our thriving English Department is at the heart of St. Edmund’s intellectual and academic life. As well as lessons, there are poetry competitions, debating and the annual Declamation competition. We aim for our students to be confident at public speaking, skills they can take into their professional lives.

In teaching English Language and Literature to a wide range of abilities the department is able to play to the strengths of both learner and teacher with experienced teachers catering for all levels of students who seek to inspire their classes. In the Prep we focus on introducing pupils to the three main literary genres, giving them a solid grounding in analytical and conceptual writing. Reading and spelling schemes are integrated into lessons and pupils have access to an excellent Prep library.

Educational trips that support learning in the English department are crucial to success from local community theatre to performances/ study days at the Globe theatre. We welcome the 'Young Shakespeare Company' to school every year so that our pupils have exposure to Shakespeare, as well as other theatre companies.