English at Rugby High School

In English, we enable all students to develop a love and appreciation for Language and Literature, and to develop key communication and thinking skills. The study of an ambitious, rich, robust and diverse curriculum across Key Stages allows Rugby High School students to become both analytical and creative thinkers. By the end of their learning journey, students have studied a broad range of challenging and exciting poetry, prose, drama, non-fiction and media texts through enjoyable and stimulating lessons. As a department we are committed to fostering a love of wider reading, as we recognise the pleasure and well-being this brings. As writers, our students can express their ideas with precision, insight, fluency and confidence. We recognise that Oracy, and listening skills, are integral to how students refine their thinking, allowing individuals to develop resilience, emotional intelligence and to understand the power of empathy. The department offers a wide range of learning opportunities outside formal lessons such as theatre visits, clubs and workshops, and celebrates academic excellence, creativity, attitude to learning and personal development of all individuals in equal measure.

Extra Curricular Activities on offer in the English Department

Throughout their time at Rugby High School there are a wealth of extra- curricular activities on offer. 

• Lower school creative writing club “Firefly”
• Upper school creative writing club “Aurora”
• Lower school book group “Kindle”
• Upper School book group
• Sixth form book group “Get Lit”
• Writing competitions
• Jessie Wright Poetry Evening
• Celebration of World Book Day and Character fancy dress day
• Rugby High School Book Award
• Jane Eggleston English Award
• Debating competitions
• Frequent theatre trips and cultural visits
• Editorial committee for the creative writing magazine “Illuminate”