English
Staff
Peter Blair, Emily Coutts, Russell Matcham, Clare McTernan, Nigel Parkin, Sarah Parkin, Chris Pitchford, Jennifer Ross.
The study of English Literature and Language contributes to education in all its widest sense:
- As an academic exploration of the skills of literary and linguistic analysis
- As a cultural survey of fiction and non-fiction texts in a variety of genres from a range of different periods
- As a social and personal reflection on human experiences; as a technical development of written and spoken language.
Ultimately, of course, such study provides an opportunity to read and write widely and thus the inherent worth that such enterprises can bring.
The study of English requires us to evaluate reflected human experience, and to be able to express our own personal responses to that in a precise and analytical manner. There is thus the opportunity to explore a wide range of texts from a choice of genres and periods.
Aspects of language such as style, tone and intention are socially, politically and culturally contextualised in order better to understand the aims and intentions of writers. This thereby proffers a general intellectual appeal, as well as having relevance to those who seek a natural complement to other languages and humanities.
Ultimately, we seek the opportunity to distil our reflections, which is often a challenging one, but through discussion and writing we endeavour to crystallise our thoughts in an orderly and concise manner.
Staffing and facilities
The Haileybury English Department is large, lively and varied - and a stimulating, demanding and happy environment in which to work. There are eight colleagues who each bring their own eclectic and wide-ranging interests to the teaching of English and the enjoyment of language and literature.
Housed in the English Centre, at the hub of which is a large Common Room, we benefit greatly from being together and learning from each other continuously. We are working ever more closely with our colleagues in the Drama Department, the Modern Languages Department and beyond, and the mutual benefit is significant for both our pupils and ourselves.
