Aysgarth School

The English department at Aysgarth aims to encourage creativity, a love of reading, an informed appreciation of literature and high skills of technical accuracy and self- expression. As drama is incorporated into the English syllabus at Aysgarth there is also a good deal of emphasis placed on acquiring excellent speaking and listening skills and preparing for performances.

In the Lower School boys follow the department’s own syllabus which, whilst it mirrors the National Curriculum and Literacy Strategy, also provides the flexibility necessary to both reinforce basic skills and stretch the most able. In form three the syllabus moves beyond the National Curriculum in terms of the demands it makes of pupils and the range of literature it promotes. Support is of course available for those who need it. We aim to introduce pupils to a wide range of texts, both fictional and non-fictional, including the study of Shakespeare and other pre-twentieth century authors. In addition, pupils are encouraged to read widely and their syllabus includes at least one lesson per week in the school library. By the time our boys begin preparing for Common Entrance in earnest, they have gained experience of reading, discussing and writing about literature as well as learning and practising the technical skills necessary for the clear and articulate expression of their opinions and ideas.

An enthusiastic and motivated English staff provide a wide variety of opportunities for Aysgarth boys, such as:

• an annual Book Week
• entry to national competitions such as HardSpell
• internal prose reading competitions
• author talks and workshops
• theatre trips
• junior and senior plays (see Drama pages)
• debates with local schools

To read more about our activities, see examples of boys' work or download recommended reading lists please view the Articles to the right.

View Staff Profiles