Wonderful World Book Day

The 5th of March saw the English department celebrate another fantastic World Book Day. This year, we were not only celebrating this annual event but also marking 2026 as the National Year of Reading. It was a brilliant day, with many staff and sixth formers dressing up as their favourite fictional characters, often with hilarious results. Miss Grimston hosted a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for our top readers at Key Stage 3, and there were a range of competitions for all students to take part in. It was a truly memorable day, celebrating everything literary in the best possible way.

Brilliant Box Clever

On the 12th of March, we welcomed back the Box Clever Theatre Company for their annual visit. This talented group delivers performances and workshops in schools across the country, focusing on Shakespeare’s plays. This year’s production of ‘Macbeth’ was one of the best to date, giving students the opportunity to experience the play live and even become directly involved in the action. As
‘Macbeth’ is a GCSE set text, this experience was invaluable in bringing the play to life and allowing all of Year 11 to engage with Shakespeare in performance. A huge thank you to Ms Jacobs for organising this event once again.

A Marvellous Museum Day Out

On Friday 13th March, Mr Hurst and Miss Joshi took a group of eager Year 10 Classicists to the British Museum. Students enjoyed an engaging tour and talk focusing on the Parthenon exhibits, which are a set text in the GCSE course. This was a unique opportunity to see classical artefacts up close and to develop a deeper understanding of their significance, meaning, and beauty. It was a highly enriching afternoon, allowing students to immerse themselves in the ancient world.

 

Totally Tragic

On March 11th, Miss Wood and Miss Watkins took a group of A-Level students to see the annual Classics play performed by UCL students at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London. This has become a much-anticipated event, and this year did not disappoint. Students watched a striking modernised version of Euripides’ ‘Iphigenia in Aulis’, a powerful tragedy exploring the events leading up to the Trojan War. It was an excellent opportunity for students to experience classical drama in performance and to deepen their understanding of texts studied as part of their Greek Theatre module. It was an evening that was both intellectually enriching and highly engaging.

 

Amazing ‘All My Sons’

On March 10th, a group of A-Level students were taken by Mrs Hodgson to see Arthur Miller’s exceptional ‘All My Sons’, starring Brian Cranston, at Wyndham’s Theatre in London. The production was both powerful and deeply moving, as the tragic drama unfolded with real emotional impact. As students study tragedy as part of their A-Level Literature course, this was a valuable opportunity to see Miller’s work brought vividly to life on stage. It was a memorable and thought-provoking evening.

Spooky ‘Stranger Things’

On February 4th, Ms Kinshuck and Miss Grimston took a group of students to see the West End production of ‘Stranger Things.’ Based on the popular Netflix series, the performance brought the story to life through strong performances and impressive special effects. The production offered students a real insight into the possibilities of modern theatre and stagecraft. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening that left a lasting impression.

Heartbreaking ‘Hadestown’

On March 4th, the English department organised another theatre visit, this time to the emotionally powerful musical ‘Hadestown.’ Based on the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, the production blends music, dance, and a range of musical styles, from blues to rock and folk. Thanks to Ms Kinshuck for organising the trip, students were able to see classical myths
reimagined in a fresh and creative way. The production was rich in atmosphere, emotion, and storytelling, and was greatly enjoyed by all who attended.

  

Year 9 Options Evening

The 5th of March also saw the department out in full force at the Year 9 Options Evening, introducing students and parents to GCSE Classical Civilisation. There was a great deal of interest, and it is clear that we have many budding historians and mythological experts in our current Year 9 cohort. If you would like to find out more about the course, please speak to Miss Wood or visit our website.

An Author in our midst

On March 2nd, we were delighted to welcome the author Bali Rai to Queens’. Brilliantly organised by Mrs Greatrex, Bali Rai led a series of workshops and assemblies, giving students a valuable insight into the life of a writer and the creative process. As the author of over 15 books for children and young adults, and a former ambassador for the Reading Agency, it was a privilege to have him visit the school. His sessions were engaging and inspiring, and it was wonderful to see students so absorbed in discussions about writing and storytelling. Students interested in his work can find a selection of his
books in the library.

    

Voracious Vocabulous

Our Year 7 students continue to work exceptionally hard using our Vocabulous platform. This programme helps students develop their vocabulary by exploring root words and understanding how meaning is constructed through morphemes and word origins. Students progress through a range of stages themed around Greek gods and goddesses, using quizzes, videos, and flashcards. It is an engaging and effective way to build vocabulary. This year has seen some outstanding individual and group performances. Currently, 7TM are leading the way with an impressive 14,057 stars, closely followed by 7TC. Keep up the excellent work!

The Reading Race

We continue to encourage students to read as widely as possible. Reading for just 15 minutes a day can have a significant impact on both academic attainment and wellbeing. Key Stage 3 students are encouraged to submit an online book review each half term, and we are delighted to have received over 1,500 reviews so far this year. Well done to 7TM, who are currently leading with 153 reviews, closely followed by 7SN with 134. The race is still very much on! A special congratulations to Saloni, who has submitted the highest number of reviews of any student.

WHAT SHALL I READ?

Each month, the English department recommends a Key Stage 3 and an adult ‘read of the month.’ You will find our recommendations for March and April below. For regular updates, follow us on X, where we share our ‘Root Word of the Week’ and ‘Classics Artefact of the Week’: English@Queens’.
You can also find further reading recommendations on the Queens' School Website

 

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