The department seeks to develop as fully as possible every pupil's skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing. We aim to do this through a variety of approaches that offer pupils opportunities to learn independently, collaboratively and co-operatively. In Key Stage 3 pupils have 7 lessons a fortnight; in Year 10 they have 9 lessons and in Year 11 they have 10 lessons.

Currently the department has three rooms dedicated primarily to the teaching of English. We have three full-time teachers and two part-time teachers.

Courses in Key Stage 3 are based on the National Framework for English. In Key Stage 4 the vast majority of pupils follow the AQA A GCSE syllabus for both English Language and Literature.

The department always seeks to enhance pupils' learning by offering opportunities outside the formal curriculum. For example, links with and transition from our feeder primary schools are established through a Summer Challenge. In recent years our pupils have experienced trips to the university at Oxford and the theatres at Stratford and London. We have arranged visits by theatre companies to support pupils' preparation for SATs and we encourage independent reading by participating in the Schools' Library Service Book Talks, the Southern Schools' Book Award and Shadowing the Carnegie Medal. Our pupils have also participated in a Talented Writers' Group, public speaking activities and poetry and prose writing competitions both within and outside the school.

The Learning Objectives of The National Literacy Strategy have been explicitly linked to particular units. Throughout Key Stage Three, students are encouraged to read with understanding, clarity and insight. They are asked to adapt their writing to suit a range of audiences and purposes, moving towards greater levels of sophistication and accuracy. As speakers, students will become increasingly articulate and confident in a range of situations, listening and responding sensitively to others. To enable students to succeed, we aim to personalise and vary the learning as much as possible, encouraging students to work with greater independence.

As GCSE students are entered for both AQA A English and English Literature, an integrated course is facilitatd by a folder which meets the requirements of both specifications. This will include the following key units:
*Shakespeare Play
*Prose Study
*Original Writing
*Media
*Pre -1914 Prose Study
*Post -1914 Drama

Students sit three exam papers. Paper 1 includes a reading response to non - fiction/media texts and a writing task which tests their ability to argue,persuade or advise.
Paper 2 includes a reading response to poetry from different cultures and traditions and a writing task which tests their ability to inform,explain or describe.

The Carnegie Medal

The Carnegie Medal is awarded annually to the writer of an outstanding book for children.
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Year 6 pupils moving onto Year 7 at Robertsbridge

Last year, dozens of new Year 7 pupils at Robertsbridge started their school careers with gold seal awards, credits and even prizes. This year, it could be you! Click here to find out how!