Excellence in English at Harrow and beyond Josephine Allen – Head of English Faculty Amanda Poel – Head of Careers & University Guidance and English teacher at IGCSE and A Level

The English Faculty Who are we? Language and Literature specialists from the UK and other English speaking nations. What do we do? Teach the acquisition and mastery of English Language to a high academic level in order for students to access all their subject areas. Teach a wide range of literature written in English and the skills needed to analyse it critically. Teach students how express ideas and opinions fluently in English.

Your child’s English journey at Harrow Year 6 Year 7 PET Year 8 Year 9 FCE Year 10 IGCSE Second Language Year 11 IGCSE First Language and Literature Year 12 IELTS SATS English Literature A Level Year 13 English for Academic purposes

English Language development for academic achievement and successful futures

Why is English so important? Success in examinations. Students acquire the language skills needed to be successful in all courses taught in English. Prove English skills and get a place at a top University. The English qualifications studied at Harrow are accepted as proof of language skills by organisations across the world. The highest grades in English are demanded for most competitive courses. Take part in school and University life. Build the confidence and the real-life language skills to make friends and be an active part of the student community. Impress future employers. The qualifications studied at Harrow are trusted by the world’s top companies as evidence of excellence in English.

Transferable skills “English gives me transferrable skills that I have honestly been able to translate and use in my other lessons.” The thinking skills ladder shows the key skills needed for success in any subject area. The skills at the bottom of the ladder are the basic skills students need to pass examinations in their subject areas. As they move upwards they access harder skills – the skills that enable them to get higher grades. English teaches all of these skills – particularly the higher level ones.

IGCSE The most competitive Universities in the UK and the USA now ask for top grades in IGCSE English for all subject areas. Developing high level English skills at IGCSE prepares students for academic writing at A Level and writing effective personal statements for Universities. The oral component of the Second Language IGCSE familiarises students with an interview situation. Extra support with IGCSE English: - An Academic Activity focussed on exam skills. - Holiday courses for Language and Literature. - Free revision sessions starting after Christmas.

English Literature A Level Academically excellent teaching team. The second most popular A Level in the UK. English is a facilitating subject – one of eight subjects which are most preferred and requested by Universities at degree level. Universities regard it highly as proof of academic ability and mastery of the English Language. Skills learned apply to all subjects – essay writing, critical thinking, the ability to read and analyse long and complex piece of writing.

English myths “English is hard.” “English doesn’t lead to a job.” “You have to read a lot for English.” “English is not a very popular choice.”

IELTS Universities, employers and government immigration agencies require proof of English language skills. Increasingly, these organisations are choosing IELTS. IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. Last year, over 2 million candidates used IELTS to open doors to the English-speaking world and beyond. IELTS is recognised by more than 9,000 organisations worldwide. The IELTS scoring system is recognised globally. Students receive a score of 0–9. Most universities accept scores between 6–7 as being suitable for study in English.  Who accepts IELTS? Harvard University of Cambridge General Medical Council

Universities are seeking evidence of English language proficiency UK All applicants are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient ability to understand and express themselves in both spoken and written English in order to benefit fully from their degree programme. Visa Requirements Course Requirements IELTS score of 5.5 overall, and in each section for a Tier 4 Students Visa for degree level and higher. Must be a UKVI sessional assessment. Individual course requirements at competitive courses are often higher than the visa IELTS requirement. Courses often also have a minimum required IGCSE English Language grade in addition to the IELTS.

Universities are seeking evidence of English language proficiency UK Course requirements vary between courses and universities. The top universities such as Oxbridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Bristol, Exeter, Bath, Surrey and Edinburgh are all looking for the following in their students: IELTS – overall 6.0 – 7.5 with equivalent in each section IGCSE First English Language – C – B A Level English Literature – C Medicine courses require a 7.5 IELTS. Universities will often accept one of these qualifications in addition to the Tier 4 visa requirement of 5.5 on the IELTS.

Universities are seeking evidence of English language proficiency USA Will often require the TOEFL or the IELTS however this is not needed for the visa. US colleges check English Language proficiency through the personal essays required in the application process and the SAT requirements. In order to perform highly on the SAT Reading segment, students must have a strong grasp of the English language. The English Language IGCSE and IELTS support help them in this area. In order to produce strong Personal Essays, students are required to write in a personal, creative style. To do this they again must have a strong grasp of the English language and be able to articulate themselves in a sophisticated linguistic manner. English Language IGCSE, English Literature IGCSE & A Level, and IELTS support help with this.

Universities are seeking evidence of English language proficiency AUSTRALIA To secure a university place in Australia, students will need to prove their English proficiency. Each university will have slightly different requirements, however the ‘Big 8’ (Sydney, Melbourne, Monash etc.) will typically require either: Either IELTS – 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each section Or A Level English Literature - Pass

Universities are seeking evidence of English language proficiency Hong Kong IGCSE First Language – C IGCSE Second Language – B IELTS – 6.5 Singapore

The students say… “It helps me to develop reading and writing skills as well as a deeper thought process. It also improves my vocabulary extensively.” “You are required to explain your ideas on a more personal level and argue what you believe in. Your independence of thought is highly valued.” “It gives me transferrable skills that I have honestly been able to use in my other lessons.” “It’s probably the most valuable, interesting and fun ‘core’ subject. It allows you to have creative thoughts, but you have to have the skills and the knowledge to support and argue your point to make it valid.” “English has allowed me to develop my ability to read long and complex texts in one sitting, a skill that would be very useful in almost any career. The ability to synthesise large volumes of information and then present them coherently is a valuable skill that English provides.”