English
The English Department's collective belief is that the pupils we teach are not only entitled to the highest quality of teaching and learning, but also that they are the most valuable resource in any lesson.
Staffed by teachers who love literature and language, the Department holds traditional values that, in some quarters, may be considered unfashionable. Value is placed on independent reading of challenging texts, on well-presented and accurate work, on high standards of grammatical accuracy. We give spelling tests and pupils are instructed in the technicalities of language use. Creativity is, naturally, fostered, but we believe that this must be underpinned by an awareness and understanding of correct Standard English usage.
The English Department subscribes to the theories of the ‘High Reliability Schools Project’.
Courses offered
English is at the heart of Durham School. All pupils are taught English and English Literature skills throughout Years 7-11 and a large number elect to take either English Literature or English Language and Literature AS/A2 in the Sixth Form.
Throughout Years 7-11 in particular, attention is given to the development of independent reading. We operate a ‘Reading Passport’ scheme that is designed to help pupils experience a broad range of literature. Many of the books on the suggested reading lists are in the English Library (located next to Room 3); others can be found at local libraries such as Clayport Library, next to the Gala Theatre in Durham. The English Library is open every day for independent research and reading, or simply as a place to get on with homework quietly. The Library uses the Eclipse 2 library management system to which pupils have access through the Searchstar icon on the desktops of school computers.
We offer the following courses in English at GCSE and AS/A2 level:
- OCR English GCSE (Year 11 2008/2009 only)
- OCR English Literature GCSE (Year 11 2008/2009 only)
- AQA GCSE English A (Year 10 2008/2009 onwards)
- AQA GCSE English Literature A (Year 10 2008/2009 onwards)
- AQA AS/A2 English Literature
- AQA AS/A2 English Language and Literature
GCSE: specific information for Year 10 from 2008
As of the second half of the Christmas Term 2008, we have moved to AQA Specification A for both English http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/eng_a.php and English Literature http://www.aqa.org.uk/qual/gcse/eng_lit_a.php GCSE.
Current Year 11 pupils (2008/2009)
All pupils currently in Year 11 (2008/2009 cohort) will sit the OCR GCSE English and English Literature (although some students will discontinue English Literature to focus their efforts on English only).
The Durham Eye
The English Department is home to The Durham Eye, the School's pupil newspaper. With generous financial assistance from the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, we have recently bought new printing equipment, on which the newspaper is printed. This enables pupils to be active in all areas of the production process: they decide which stories will be included; they write the stories; the typeset each edition; they physically operate the printing machines. We are also very fortunate to have a professional printer in situ; Colin Looker's experience enables pupils to learn and develop skills using industry standard practices.
Jack Deverson and Alex Turnbull would be very happy to hear from anyone with a story for The Eye. For more information, email them at newspaper@durhamschool.co.uk.
Library
The English Library (located next to E3, above the Armoury) contains the school's fiction books. The English Department works in conjunction with the Librarian (Janice Mason) to encourage reading at all levels (including staff).
General
The English Department has close links with the Department of English Studies at Durham University; presently we have students from Hatfield College working in the Department with our pupils.
Virtual Learning Environment: the pupils' area of Durham School's website.
The pupils' area of the school website is used by the English Department to provide information to support the courses taken by our pupils. It can be accessed by clicking on the link at the bottom (left) of the home page.
Teaching Group Temporary Notifications
There are currently no Temporary Notifications for any teaching group.
The English Department Staff
Mr. Stuart Kime (Head of English)
Stuart has taught at Durham School for seven years. Prior to moving north, he roamed the country and was educated at the Universities of Wales, Pittsburgh (USA) and Cambridge. He sings, walks up hills, and runs marathons (well, one to date). Stuart also works at Hatfield College, Durham University.
Mr. Hugh Dias (Second in Department)
In the early autumn, though some might say winter, of his career (his own words!), Hugh is an ex-Housemaster of School House and has been at Durham School since 1986. He is a voracious reader and spends most of his time developing this interest in pupils while trying to stop them using the word ‘like’ in every sentence.
Mr. Steven Thompson (English Teacher)
Steven joined Durham School in September 2006 as an NQT, although he has worked here as a rowing coach and PGCE student teacher previously. He is a top-class rower whose dedication to training makes the rest of the English team feel guilty. Steven runs the Poetry Club.
Mrs. Freya Swan (English Teacher)
Freya lives in beautiful Weardale with one husband, one daughter, one horse and two dogs to keep her away from School. Between 2002 and 2004 she and her husband lived in New York and enjoyed being immersed in a wholly different culture. She enjoys a variety of interests including creative writing, sculpture and a host of sports. Mrs. Swan coordinates the AS and A2 English Literature courses.
Miss Lyn Nicholson (English and Junior Housemistress, MacLeod)
Lyn joined the School in September 2006. She has taught in the north-east and in Harrow, and brings with her a wealth of experience of both English and Drama. Miss Nicholson has worked as a GCSE English examiner and coordinates the GCSE course.
Mr. David Woodhead
David joined the Department in 2008; he teaches English in the lower school and is also the Director of Drama.
Miss Louise Hinde
As well as working in the Modern Languages Department, Louise teaches English in the lower school.
next event
Senior School Play: A Revue
Saturday, 22 November 2008
More forthcoming events.
recent news
Pupils see opportunity for The Durham Eye
Rave reviews for pupil-run newspaper 'The Durham Eye'
Read more recent news.
photo gallery
See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.
Testimonials
"Within two years Durham School has turned Thomas into a bright, confident person, who achieved excellent GCSE grades. He is now relishing the challenge of A-levels. His experiences at Durham School have set Thomas on the right road for life."
Mr and Mrs Newbould (parents of Year 12 pupil)