info@rbai.belfast.ni.sch.uk 028 90 240461
RBAI Foundation
The English and Drama Department at RBAI has a long tradition of excellence, encouraging pupils to express themselves through creative writing, public speaking and drama.

English

Department
English
Level
KS3, KS4, KS5
Head of Department
Ms K Gilmore
Members of Dept
Mr I Robb, Mr S Douglas, Mr S McMillan, Mrs B Gallaher, Mrs K McClean, Mrs K Walsh, Mrs V McCord, Ms Z Huston

Gallery

Gallery

Why study English?

The study of English/English Literature up to A Level is now widely recognised as desirable for university courses as diverse as medicine and law as it indicates a candidate has the capacity for self-expression, good communication and processing and interpreting information.

The English Department at RBAI has a long tradition of excellence. Poets Michael Longley and Derek Mahon, novelist Forrest Reid and actors JonJo O’Neill and Niall Cusack are just some of our famous alumni who spent their formative years in the ‘W’ block. Moreover, Mr Frank Ormsby, the celebrated poet and critic, is a former Head of English.

The Department’s primary concern is to encourage pupils to develop their skills, independence and fluency of expression – a fact reflected in the grades at both GCSE and at AS/A2 Level. Perhaps more importantly, we aim to instil in students a genuine curiosity and joy in reading and literature that we hope will remain with them throughout their lives.

The state-of-the-art Library is an excellent facility which works closely alongside the Department to encourage an enjoyment of reading in all pupils. Together, we celebrate National Poetry Day and World Book Day, and Junior pupils participate in the Accelerated Reader Programme. Teachers from other departments often lend their support to our celebrations to remind pupils that reading is for everyone.

What English offers?

Key Stage 3

  • The separate study of English Language and Literature, providing subject-specific activities designed to prepare boys for the focus on each at GCSE;
  • One period every week in Years 8 & 9 in the library to engage in the Accelerated Reader programme;
  • Themed events which encourage awareness of and engagement with literary pursuits;
  • The study of prose, poetry and drama texts alongside analysis of language and the opportunity to practise speaking and listening activities;
  • Co-curricular activities such as drama, Book Group and creative writing opportunities.

Key Stage 4

  • All boys study both English Language and English Literature as far as GCSE;
  • Pupils benefit from independent support for each specification;
  • Written Controlled Assessment is 20% of both English Language and Literature with Speaking and Listening also accounting for 20% of the Language grade;
  • Appropriate guidance in advance of Controlled Assessment;
  • Stimulating and inspiring teaching of texts to engage pupils and maximise progression.

Key Stage 5

  • At Key Stage 5, the department studies the CCEA GCE specification;
  • Pupils cover a range of texts, from Shakespeare to post 2000 prose, igniting passion across a spectrum of literature;
  • Enrichment activities and trips encourage boys to experience literature in a range of settings and contexts;
  • Boys are supported through the transition into independent study and encouraged to read around the subject.

Exam Success

Each year, many pupils achieve a top grade in GCSE English Language and Literature and GCE English Literature.

  • A2 2024: 100% A*-C
  • A2 2024: 80% A*- B
  • GCSE English Language 2023: 88.4% A*-B

Beyond the Classroom

The department celebrates and rewards the progress and achievements of pupils in literary pursuits. Pupils are encouraged to enter literary competitions and some of them have won national prizes. Enrichment activities include Junior and Senior Drama Clubs, Book Group and creative writing opportunities. 

The endeavours of Key Stage 3 pupils are encouraged each year in the Celebrating Success Awards during which word millionaires in the Accelerated Reader programme, top performers in end of year exams and boys who have made notable progress are acknowledged. The celebration of literary engagement consolidates the School’s holistic approach to educating and inspiring pupils.