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English

Our Aim

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.
 
Curriculum
  • Key Stage 3
    The variety of Reading, Writing and Talking & 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% coursework (Reading, Writing and Talking & Listening) and 60% written examination.
  • AS/A2
    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, data projection and audio-visual technology.  The School Library, under the care of our dedicated Librarian, 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 October during Book Week and a School Book Fair, in conjunction with Queen’s University Bookshop, to celebrate World Book Day.  We have had visits from Alec Williams and Alan Gibbons and some of our pupils have met Anthony Horowitz and Darren Shan.  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 three Reading Groups – The Junior Book Team; The BLT (Books@Lunchtime); The Reading Group. All meet regularly to share the enthusiasm we have for books and reading.
 

School News

OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION

9th May 2008

Annual Dinner - Ramada Hotel, Belfast

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