English and Drama
A friendly, vigorous approach, fun, very hard work, examination success, a passion for literature and the theatre all characterise English at Bablake.
STAFF
Mr G L Park (Head of Department)
Mrs M A Baker
Miss K G Ewart (Second in Department)
Ms C E Farmer (Director of Drama)
Mr A M Hopkins (Director of Studies)
Mrs H Orrock
Mrs L J Reddish
Miss E L Sara
Mrs L A Yates (Gifted and Talented Coordinator)
FACILITIES
The department is located in the newly built Theatre Building. There are four large English teaching rooms, three 6th Form seminar rooms, AV facilities and a studio theatre which is used for both drama lessons and for school and outside productions, film showings and presentations. One of the school's ICT suites is located in the English department.
CURRICULUM
In the first three years pupils follow a wide and varied curriculum which acknowledges the demands of the National Curriculum without being bound by it. In addition to reading and writing, pupils can expect drama lessons in the studio, library lessons and the opportunity to discuss and debate a range of topics and issues. 4th and 5th Year pupils take GCSE (AQA) examinations in both English Language and English Literature. At A level the Department offers OCR AS and A2 courses in English Literature and AQA Drama and Theatre Studies.
ETHOS
Children have high expectations in English and the department has high expectations of pupils. Whilst we address traditional texts and topics, showing always a concern for accurate writing and reading, we are also conscious of the need to introduce new materials, new ideas and new approaches to stimulate and maintain interest. We encourage individuality in the teacher, as we encourage the individual voice of each pupil in critical and imaginative activity.
DESTINATIONS
A significant number of students choose to study English Literature, Media Studies or Drama at university and go on to take up an increasingly diverse range of careers. Former Bablake pupils have made a name for themselves in the world of journalism and the media, in the theatre and as writers.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
The English and Drama Department is a busy department. Theatre features strongly; there are always three and sometimes four productions a year in the Bablake Studio Theatre and the Bablake Dramatic Society has appeared at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every year for over 25 years. Recent productions include 'A Servant To Two Masters' and 'Cabaret'. The Junior Drama Club meets weekly.
There is a full programme of theatre visits to Stratford, London and regional theatres. The Public Speaking and Debating Society meets regularly and pupils enter and have enjoyed significant success in both local and national debating competitions. There are visits to hear writers at Warwick University and pupils are encouraged to enter writing and speaking competitions.
We run the TS Eliot Poetry Prize Shadowing Scheme annually and will also shadow the Carnegie medal. Students in the 5th and 6th form meet to discuss informally the ten anthologies shortlisted by the judges and decide whom they think should win the prize. There are also extension workshops, Oxbridge preparation sessions, support sessions for GCSE pupils and an open workshop for all other years.
CONTACT
For more information, contact the department head at: