English

Studying English will help students to be leaders in their chosen field through developing critical thinking skills, strong communication skills, and developing an understanding of a breadth of perspectives and experiences beyond their own. It takes students out of their comfort zone and encourages growth as they consistently develop and improve their analytical and writing skills, and tackle increasingly challenging texts. Themes of social injustice and tolerance are embedded throughout the curriculum to support students in understanding how social responsibility is crucial to their own success and the success of those around them; this encourages them to develop the skills to constructively challenge inequality with compassion. Students studying English at HSAEL are ambitious not only in the texts they read and the tasks they complete, but in building perceptive and conceptualised arguments that they learn to communicate, defend and refine throughout their academic journey. This results in them achieving excellence as they learn to be critical, creative and empathetic, and to appreciate the diverse world around them. 

English is particularly important at HSAEL as it encourages students to explore the wider world and learn about a breadth of perspectives which, in turn, develops their cultural capital. The critical communication skills help students in all of their subjects and learning to defend conceptualised arguments will support them in excelling in their chosen fields, closing the disadvantage gap. By ensuring that all students have access to challenging and enjoyable texts, regardless of their backgrounds, students are supported in refining their English language and communication skills, and students from EAL backgrounds are enabled to explore British culture and refine their skills in English writing and communication.

Endpoint: To study English Literature at a Russel Group University, students require AAA or AAA* at A Level. As part of the application process, students are required to demonstrate analytical writing skills and an example of coursework.

How does the study of English link to future careers?

As a subject that develops skills in critical thinking, communication, analysis, research, group work, inference, and conceptualising arguments, English lends itself to a multitude of careers. From journalism, copywriting and teaching, to marketing, publishing and social media management, English gives you the skills to utilise language to convey meaning and persuade audiences. Law, advertising, editing, psychology and economics also rely on these skills taught through the study of English. Any interest in jobs that require you to synthesise information, draw connections between the past and present, and present analytical arguments will make you well suited to studying English Literature.

How does English link to the extra-curricular provision at HSAEL?

In English, students are able to explore the literary heritage of London. With trips to The Globe Theatre to better understand where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed, to various art galleries that support students in developing analytical skills and contextual understanding, and to other museums such as the Museum of Victorian Science to better understand Victorian literature, students are able to explore the historical and artistic contexts that London offer to support in their understanding of literature.