As we reach the end of another busy and successful year in English, we would like to celebrate some of the wonderful reading, writing, speaking and enrichment work that has taken place across the department this term. From spelling bees and speeches to book reviews and the opening of our new English classrooms, July has given us plenty to celebrate.

VORACIOUS ABOUT VOCABULOUS

Year 7 students have been working on Vocabulous all year and have made astounding progress in completing the different levels and learning root words to enhance their vocabulary. Students can continue working on Vocabulous throughout the summer, with the final results and winners announced at the start of September. At present, it is a closely fought competition between 7TM and 7TC. Who will be the winner of this epic battle? Nirupama, Lexi, Rian, Tara and Kaiden are also battling it out for the top Vocabulous performer. Keep up the hard work!

BRILLIANT BOOK REVIEWS

Students have been submitting their book reviews all year, and we have had some wonderful recommendations. The book review form will remain open throughout the summer, which is the perfect time to pick up a book and read for pleasure. The final winners will be announced in September. At present, 7AB are just in the lead with 360 reviews. Our leading student readers are Teodor in Year 7, Saloni in Year 8 and Robert in Year 9, but there is still plenty of time to submit your reviews. Well done to everyone who has submitted a review, and happy summer reading!

SUPER SPEECHES

Year 10 students have been working immensely hard on their Spoken Language presentations, an important component of the GCSE English Language course. We have heard some really eloquent and inspirational speeches over the last few weeks. Particular congratulations go to Jessica for a wonderful speech about ‘How Medicine Has Become a Business’, which she performed so articulately at the Junior Presentation Evening, where she was also awarded the Eileen Underhill Prize for Outstanding Oration.

OUR AMAZING NEW ENGLISH BLOCK: UNDERHILL

Our new English classrooms were officially opened by author Nasheema Lennon, a former Queens’ student of English and Classics. Her latest thriller, ‘Going, Going, Gone’, was published earlier this year and is a compelling, tension-filled crime novel. We were delighted that Nasheema was able to join us to officially open the new block, which has been named Underhill in honour of Eileen and Patrick Underhill, both of whom taught Nasheema and worked at Queens’ for nearly 40 years between them. It was a wonderful afternoon celebrating a new beginning for English, as well as the promise of many more future authors to come from Queens’.

A TASTE OF THE FUTURE

On Monday 22nd June, we were delighted to welcome both new students and returning students for our Sixth Form Taster Day. As always, Classics and English proved popular subjects, and we are really looking forward to seeing our students next year and sharing our passion and enthusiasm for all things literary and Classical with them. This year, for the first time, we are also offering an A-Level in Film Studies, ably led by Miss Grimston. This gives students a unique opportunity to study a range of films and cinematic techniques not offered by other local schools. We are sure our new students will have an enlightening and engaging experience.

STUNNING SPELLERS

On 9th June, Ms Jacobs held our annual Spelling Bee. Some of the competing students were absolutely magnificent and blew us away with their spelling dexterity and knowledge of complex words. Congratulations go to our two winners, Amelia and Nirupama, who performed exceptionally well.

WHAT SHALL I READ?

Summer is the perfect time to read, and there are lots of great summer reading recommendations available in the library. However, if you are unsure, why not look back at some of our recommended reads this year?

Every month, the English department offers a KS3 and a Staff and Parent recommended read of the month. You will find our recommendations for June and July below. If you would like to find regular recommendations, follow us on the English Department’s X account. 

We wish all our students, families and staff a restful summer filled with good books, new stories and a chance to recharge. We look forward to seeing everyone again in September.

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