After Mandarin, English is spoken by more people than any other language. There are over 97 countries in the world in which English is an official language, 80% of homepages on the internet are in English, at least 370 million speak English as a first language and over a billion people are at some stage of learning English worldwide.

The importance of English is not just in how many people speak and write it but in what it is used for. English is the international language of diplomacy, business, science, technology, banking, computing, medicine, aviation, UN & NATO armed forces, engineering, tourism, Hollywood films and arguably the best pop and rock music in the world. English is exciting!

As a department, we teach English in such a way that we allow pupils to understand the range and purposes of the language and to help them become aware that it is a vital element to empowerment. We use the key components of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing to ensure the subject is integrated and interdependent through a balanced curriculum.  Ultimately we create a supportive, happy and friendly environment for learning, in which our students thrive.

Angie Roussounis

Head of English and Media Studies