English

At Dauntsey's, English is fuelled by the study of literature. As pupils move through the School, from the First Form to the Fifth Form, they encounter a wide variety of texts, ranging in period from Old and Middle English through to the contemporary. The Department's teaching is shaped by a keen awareness of the central role of reading in the personal and intellectual development of the individual, and of the pleasure and inspiration afforded by good prose, poetry and drama.

Throughout the School, pupils are encouraged to read as widely as possible, including in their reading works that will stretch, challenge and stimulate them. We believe that the discussion generated by the detailed study of complex and powerful texts is of enormous value, not least in giving students a clearer sense of who they are, and how they feel about the world in which they find themselves.

Whilst aiming to foster a love of reading, an increasingly sophisticated understanding of how texts work, and a sense of the richness of our literary culture, we also aim to develop in our pupils a very real interest in the power and potential of words.

Lessons focus on helping students to become more sensitive to tone and nuance in writing, and on enhancing their sense of what is possible when they speak, read and write. We want pupils to think critically and self-critically about diction and syntax, enabling them to write with greater flair and finesse. We encourage them to explore and enjoy their creative potential, and relish their ability to express themselves fluently, accurately and persuasively. There is thus a sustained focus, alongside extensive analysis of non-fiction and media texts, on creative and discursive writing.