English Residentials

There’s so much more to English than we can cover in the classroom, so the English department is always keen to get out and about and see how words have the power to amaze, entertain and captivate. Back in October, we set off with a group of Year 8 and 9 students to Harry Potter Studios where J.K. Rowling’s magical books were brought to life. Students had the opportunity to see many of the original sets, props and costumes and could get inside some of the sets including Gringott’s Bank, Diagon Alley, sections of Hogwarts and Privet Drive. It is incredible to think that this fantastical world was brought to life over 20 years ago, with the first draft written in a small café in Edinburgh – J.K. Rowling was a struggling single mother at the time and would work in the café so that she didn’t have to heat her home. Students enjoyed an “all you can eat” Pizza Hut buffet (I know I did) and a night in a Premier Inn. This was followed the next day with free time in Covent Garden and then a trip to the theatre – a matinee performance of “School of Rock”. If you’ve never had chance to see this show I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is an incredible, high energy show that has the audience on their feet for the finale. Remarkably, all the music is performed by the young cast – it is phenomenal. This trip was so successful that it will run again next year; over 50 students have already reserved their place! At the end of this term, we headed back to London with a group of Year 11 students. This time we enjoyed a performance of “The Woman in Black” – appropriately on Friday 13th – and the following day a matinee of “The Lion King”. Students were given the opportunity to spend some free time shopping for presents (hopefully for their generous parents) in Covent Garden, which always looks beautiful when decorated for Christmas.

Mrs Woodhouse, Curriculum Leader for English

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  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award