English at MGS is a lively and dynamic department housed in a modern and attractive site overlooking the School playing fields and surrounding parkland.  Classrooms are bright, airy and well-resourced.  The department is a large and growing one, with twelve highly qualified, energetic and committed members of staff who also make a considerable input into the teaching of drama and a huge contribution to the extra-curricular life of the School in general.

We aim to broaden and extend pupils' understanding and interest in language in all its different forms.  Central here is fostering the pleasure of reading and our approach is unashamedly literary in its focus.  We strive to enrich students' lives through an exploration of their own experience and imagination, developing their ability to shape their thoughts both orally and in written form.

We produce our own magazines which feature creative writing from every year of the school, as well as presenting talks and writers' workshops run by nationally acclaimed authors and poets.  A number of competitions and quizzes are held, including a playwriting competition judged by the Royal Exchange Theatre Company.  Creative writing events are also held in conjunction with local libraries, arts companies and art galleries, developing the students' eye for links between pictorial representations of the world and ones achieved through language.

There is a vibrant interest in the theatre at the moment.  Taking advantage of Manchester's rich and diverse theatrical life, we offer a large number of trips for all levels throughout the year.

The department also takes responsibility for the wide range of public speaking and debating events and competitions, which run on an internal, local and national basis.  These events help inculcate an awareness of the importance of self-presentation and in developing students into poised, confident and articulate speakers who can use language with precision and to sharp effect.

Contact

Telephone: 0161 224 7201

Head of Department Ext 420

English Staff Room Ext 421


Staff