On Friday 9th July, Year 10 and the English department went back in time to imagine what it must have been like to live during the Regency era.  Following in Darcy and Elizabeth’s footsteps in ‘Pride and Prejudice’, we visited Chatsworth House to explore the House and its extensive gardens.

Many Year 10 are studying ‘Pride and Prejudice’ for GCSE English Literature and Chatsworth House was the inspiration for Pemberley in the novel.  It was also a filming location for the version starring Keira Knightley.

Students were able to visit many of the locations mentioned in the novel, allowing them a great insight into the context and setting of the novel. 

Chatsworth is also home to many priceless works of art – a Da Vinci masterpiece, ancient sculptures from Rome, Greece and Egypt, plus priceless tapestries.  It was a fascinating day out, as students were able to make links across the curriculum to many other subjects and also learn more about the role that the aristocracy have played in Britain’s history.

One highlight of the day for many of us was the opportunity to explore the estate.  Students enjoyed the grotto, the maze and the woodlands – lots of great places for picnics!

At the end of the novel, Elizabeth is asked by her sister when she fell in love with Mr Darcy.  In a tongue in cheek reply, she says “It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his beautiful grounds at Pemberley.”  Who can blame her?

Mrs Woodhouse

Curriculum Leader for English

The English Department was delighted to welcome Quantum Theatre into school to perform ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for Year 8 on Thursday 17^th June – just short of Midsummer!  Usually, we host many performances throughout the year, or take groups to the theatre, so it felt like a welcome return back to normality after a year of “bubbles”.  Fortunately, the weather decided to be kind to us and we were able to watch the performance outside, transforming the netball courts into an open-air theatre for the morning.

The theatre group were also delighted to be able to perform – we had initially booked the group back in 2019 and have had to postpone it numerous times.  It felt like a milestone to get them into school!  The performance was a lively introduction to Shakespeare on stage for Year 8 and they were a fantastic audience; attentive and appreciative.

The performance was highly engaging; the talented performers incorporated comedy, music and great costumes into their entertaining show.

Year 8 are currently working on drama skills in their English lessons, so this will have given them an insight into the importance of physical and vocal skills when developing a performance. 

Mrs Woodhouse

Curriculum Leader for English

The whole of Year 10 had the opportunity to engage in a live online workshop delivered by staff from UK Parliament. During the session, students learned about the work and role of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Students learned about the difference between UK Parliament and Government, the work of MPs and members of the House of Lords, how laws are made and how to get their voices heard.

As part of the session, students were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with Katherine Fletcher, the MP for South Ribble. Across 6 different classrooms, students submitted questions about education, her views on current affairs and life after Covid.

The session proved to be really engaging and left all students with a good understanding of the basics of UK Parliament – perhaps inspiring some future politicians too!

Mrs Snowdon
English Department