The English Department at Holyhead builds upon good practice already in existence to provide stimulating learning experiences in the classroom thus motivating students to achieve their full potential. Team work, positive relationships with students and high expectations are valued and are reflected in the department's highly successful examination results. Therefore, the English Department is viewed as a successful, forward looking department, open to new and exciting initiatives.

Regarding the latter, in a recent visit by HMI to evaluate the impact of the Governments ICT initiatives, the department was praised for its sensible and effective approach to ICT, ensuring that ICT is primarily used to support and improve learning in English and Media Studies. It was also praised for high quality work in producing media links.

At Key Stage 4, modular G.C.S.E. examination courses offered by the department. You will study traditional English skills which are accompanied by a range of ICT units. The units acknowledge the importance of digital communication in 21st century.

Each single unit counts as HALF a GCSE. Units are combined to allow you to gain a variety of full GCSE single and double awards. Some of the units include:

The department is involved in the training of future teachers through School Based Initial Teacher Training of which the school is a key provider.

These specified courses have been chosen because they are appropriate for the needs of Holyhead students and provide flexibility in teaching styles.

Dual Certification in English Studies is pursued by all students, regardless of ability, providing them with the opportunity to gain an extra qualification at G.C.S.E. level. Media Studies is a popular option choice because of the quality of teaching and excellent examination results. Currently there are four groups studying the subject at G.C.S.E. level.

It is our aim to keep ahead of new initiatives, adopting those we feel are most suited to the students we teach. We are also committed to developing cross curricular links where appropriate. An example of this is the Stratford upon Avon Trip in Year 7 and the Zoo Trip in Year 8, which integrates particular skills and knowledge.

The English department has adopted a 'Thematic' approach to deliver the National Curriculum for English in Key Stage 3. This enables the department to encompass the programmes of study, and attainment targets which students of differing abilities and maturities are expected to achieve by the end of Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum for English.

During these sessions students have experimented with different ways of generating and developing ideas for fiction writing.  Students worked on creating characters and settings using various stimuli.  They then developed their ideas, wrote first drafts and edited their drafts.  Students produced some fantastic short stories, songs and poems.  Selected extracts from their stories and poems are available below.