The English Department at Parkhall Integrated College aspires to cultivate a vibrant community of critical thinkers, effective communicators and creative writers. We are dedicated to fostering a passion for literature and language, promoting cultural awareness, and nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of our students. Through innovative teaching, rigorous scholarship and community engagement, we aim to empower our students to navigate and contribute to an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. Our vibrant and dynamic department is made up of 10 full time specialist English teachers. Our aim is to enable our students to reach the highest academic standards in English in the most enjoyable way, so that they are fully engaged in learning English.
All teaching in the English Department is focused on clear learning outcomes; every task undertaken is based on reaching a key learning objective that is tied into the Northern Ireland Curriculum for English and Media Studies in the areas of: Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening.
At key stage 3 students have opportunities to read a variety of texts, including novels, short stories, poems and non-fiction. They also have many writing opportunities which allow them to use the skills studied in their reading to be developed in their own writing. Every area of learning in the English Department is underpinned by Speaking and Listening, since talking about learning is crucial for students to progress.
At key stage 4 all students complete GCSE English Language (CCEA). Students also have the opportunity to study English Literature and/or Media Studies at GCSE all under the guidance of the English department. The department work hard to ensure students are prepared for their examinations through effective teaching and learning, study support and revision sessions prior to examinations.
Students have the option to stay on to study English Literature to A-level. Students study a range of literature undergoing examinations in year 13 and 14. English Literature is a highly respected A level. As well as an English Literature degree itself, students of Literature might go on to study for university degrees in a range of subjects including History, Sociology, Psychology, Drama and Theatre Studies and Law.
It is also very effective in developing transferrable skills such as interpretive abilities, communication, an understanding of how language works, close analysis, and the ability to construct a well-argued case. These are highly valued in a range of graduate careers such as Teaching, Business and Finance, Journalism, Publishing – even Politics.
At Parkhall Integrated College, we are proud to offer our students the opportunity to study AQA Media Studies and OCNNI Digital and Creative Arts with a focus on film production. We offer A-level Media Studies as a post-16 option also and our proud of the growing success of the subject.
Media Studies is a contemporary and event changing subject which challenges pupils to view and consider the media they create and consume. These courses offer our pupils the literacy, analytical, research, creative and technical skills to enter the exciting and ever growing and evolving media industry in Northern Ireland.
Applying their knowledge of media language, representation, audience and industry, pupils build skills in critical analysis and enjoy deconstructing and constructing media products such as film, television, video games and social media.
The English department offers a Film Club which runs during term 1 and 2 and offers the chance to watch, analyse and create films.
Study support is offered in key times through the year for additional guidance and revision before external examinations.
BBC News report club run after-school, providing students opportunities to use ICT, communication skills to write and create news reports of events happening within our local community.
The English department also runs a creative writing club in key stage 3 which runs during junior lunch time.
We take part in various enriching experiences for the students such as writing competitions, public speaking competitions with our recent involvement in the Edgar Graham public speaking competition at Stormont.
The English department organises various curriculum trips throughout the academic year to strengthen students’ knowledge and understanding of the taught curriculum.
Parkhall Integrated College Vision Statement
