English

Teaching Staff
The Head of Department is:

• Mr J W Christie BA (Hons) Dip Ed (Canada) PGCE

The other teachers within the department are:

• Mr D W Workman BA (Hons) PGCE

• Mrs A Steele BA (Hons) PGCE 

• Mrs M Scott MA (Hons) PGCE

• Ms L Turner BA (Hons) PGCE

• Maternity Cover: Mr R Irvine BA (Hons) PGCE
  
   

All pupils in the United Kingdom take English until they are sixteen as it is obvious that competency in English is a prerequisite for progress in many school subjects.  Of course, competency will never be our sole aim in Larne Grammar School and when you meet the members of the English Department you will realise our commitment to success.

We are passionate about our subject.  Our aim is to encourage writers in all sorts of areas.  We want pupils to be able to write in many different forms for many different purposes.  Efficient reading is one objective, but in attaining this we wish to unlock the storehouse of knowledge and vicarious experience that is involved in reading.  Also important, is the ability to talk and listen and we will try to hone this skill over the years in English class.
 

Key Stage 3

During these years, we focus our teaching around Units of Work which are used as frameworks for development.  These units, revised in line with the new curriculum, range from 'Pets' to 'Outcasts and Outsiders' and will include a variety of literature, poems, plays, short stories and novels.  Grammar, the nuts and bolts of the language, will be integrated into these units.  Sometimes the class novel will fit into the chosen unit and other times it will be read in isolation, albeit with attendant activities.  These units will also have a balance of reading, writing, talking and listening and our exams will reflect this with 40% of the final mark given for reading and writing coursework and 10% for oral work.
 

GCSE

At GCSE, English is compulsory.  New specifications have just been released and we will, as with Key Stage 3, be revising our Units of Work.  We also offer English Literature and between 30% and 50% of pupils take up this option.  We believe it is an academically rigorous subject and that our pupils benefit enormously from their closer study of literature.  We also hope it will be enjoyable!  It is an important preparation for AS and A level English Literature for without a good grade in GCSE English Literature we are loath to accept pupils for advanced study.
 

AS/A Level

Generally with two classes numbering around ten pupils in each class, this one or two year course takes students to a new level of awareness in their study of literature.  Conducted in almost seminar-like surroundings, it has proved both intrinsically rewarding and rewarding in terms of results.

The course involves four modules and includes a mix of coursework and external exam.  Details on all the specifications can be found at: http://www.ccea.org.uk/specifications/

The English Department is an enthusiastic group of teachers and their involvement in school life testifies to their commitment to pupils' education.  We are involved in debating, theatre visits, drama productions, mentoring, public speaking, the school magazine, sport and pastoral care.