English

‘We are attending a series of lectures about Milton in English. I really enjoyed the first speaker so I'm looking forward to the next one.’ — L8th former

The enjoyment and critical appreciation of literature and language lie at the heart of our work. We are fortunate that our pupils, with their varied heritages and interests, provide us with many opportunities for cross-cultural reference in all aspects of our work.

GCSE

GCSE English is the essential qualification, combining traditional skills of comprehension, summary and writing–to–purpose with a study of literature. We follow Edexcel’s IGCSE English Language A (4EA0) and AQA’s GCSE English Literature 2710 with the current Sixth form, and AQA’s Level 1/2 Certificates in English Language and English Literature with the Fifth form. For both forms, the courses cover a range of texts, deepening our pupils’ understanding of their written heritage.

AS and A level

Any Pauline who has enjoyed the study of literature at GCSE is well equipped to pursue this course. Coursework (40% at both AS and A2) gives opportunities for the challenge of independent work: at AS, it is devoted to a study of tragedy and at A2 to a free choice of texts read in the light of some critical theory. At AS, the study of narrative serves as a way into the appreciation of poetry and prose, whilst at A2 genre (Pastoral or Gothic) is a focus for more advanced work. For further details, see the AQA website.

After St Paul’s

Many Paulines have studied English at university. Some have gone on to prestigious academic careers: Dr Ben Morgan (Oxford), Dr Matthew Reynolds (Oxford), Dr Richard Serjeantson (Cambridge), Professor Henry Woudhuysen (UCL).

Some have made English the centre of their professional lives as successful actors or directors: Rory Kinnear, James Rogan, Blake Ritson, Chris Weitz. Others are established journalists: Steven Poole, Ben Walters.

English staff

John VenningHead of English

020 8746 5483

Andrew Broughton

Andrew Shouler

Bernard O'Keeffe

John Hudson

Judith McLaren

Tom Benyon

William Le Fleming

See also

    Academic Newsdownload an RSS feed of this news

    Community partnerships

    About 110 senior Paulines are involved directly in our community partnerships and voluntary placements.

    Read more.

    Associates

    Giving the opportunity to students from our partner schools to experience Pauline life.

    Read more.

    Our renewal campaign

    St Paul’s has raised a record breaking £77 million for world-class facilities and buildings.

    Read more.

    Old Pauline Club

    Created to keep up the association of Paulines and further the interest of
    St Paul’s in the UK and abroad.

    Read more.