English

Transforming children's futures through English

At the heart of our English department lies our commitment to the ACE learning philosophy: developing children who actively engage with language, critically analyse literature, and boldly explore new ideas.

Active learners

Our pupils do not just read texts, they interact with them. Through dynamic classroom discussions, collaborative projects, and creative responses to literature, our children take ownership of their learning journey. This active engagement develops lifelong reading habits and deeper understanding of complex texts.

“I used to think English was just about reading books and writing essays. Now I see it’s about actively engaging with ideas that shape how we see the world.” — Year 7 pupil

Critical thinkers

In today’s information-saturated world, the ability to analyse and evaluate texts is essential. Our curriculum challenges students to:

Question authors’ intentions and techniques
Detect bias and recognise perspective
Construct well-reasoned arguments
Connect literature to historical and social contexts
Apply analytical frameworks to contemporary media

We encourage intellectual curiosity and creative risk-taking. Our children explore diverse voices in literature: from Shakespeare to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, developing cultural awareness and empathy along with literary appreciation.

Whether your child is an avid reader, an aspiring writer, or looking to develop essential communication skills, our English Department provides the guidance, challenges, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Transforming students into active learners, critical thinkers, and explorers—one text at a time.

Personalised reading journeys

Our implementation of the Accelerated Reader programme has revolutionised independent reading at Windlesham House. This research-based program

Personalises reading challenges based on individual reading levels
Monitors comprehension through engaging quizzes
Motivates students with clear goals and immediate feedback
Celebrates reading achievements through our school-wide recognition system
Tracks growth with detailed analytics that inform our teaching strategies

This strategic combination of technology-driven assessment and abundant reading materials ensures that every child can find “just right” books that both challenge and engage them, creating a culture where reading is both purposeful and pleasurable.

Beyond exams - our comprehensive English diploma

Our innovative English Diploma assessment approach recognises that language mastery extends far beyond examination performance. Children build a portfolio demonstrating excellence in:

Writing Proficiency

From persuasive essays to creative narratives, children develop versatile writing skills for academic and real-world contexts.

Speaking and listening

Through debates, presentations, and dramatic interpretations, children become confident communicators prepared for university interviews and future careers.

Text comprehension

Children analyse both classic and contemporary texts, from Dickens to modern journalism, developing the critical literacy needed in our media-rich world.

“The English Diploma gave me the chance to showcase skills that don’t always come through in exams. My WWI radio play and public speaking speech enabled me to score much higher grades than if I had only been assessed on a written exam.” — Year 8 pupil

A balanced literary diet

Our curriculum thoughtfully balances classic and contemporary texts, ensuring children appreciate literary heritage while engaging with diverse modern voices that reflect our global society.

Our core texts include

Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” – exploring human nature and social order
“The Lady in Black” – a classic gothic tale examining grief and fear
Boyne’s “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas” – confronting history through innocent eyes
Morpurgo’s “Private Peaceful” and “Kensuke’s Kingdom” – captivating narratives of courage and survival
Sachar’s “Holes” – weaving past and present in a tale of redemption
Blyton’s “The Famous Five” series – adventures that have inspired generations of readers

Poetic exploration

The vibrant contemporary voice of Benjamin Zephaniah
Thomas Hardy’s evocative rural narratives
Milton’s epic classical compositions
Simon Armitage’s accessible yet profound modern perspectives