‘English’ at all ages and levels at school contains many elements – learning the language and understanding how it is made up, developing skills at using the language, reading its rich literature, learning to read factual communications, writing personal works of fact and/or fiction, and learning to revel in this understanding and usage.
At GCSE and GCE A level the courses usually offer a skills based approach, allowing students to explore a range of literary and, in some courses, language topics. All of them rely mainly on ‘set books’ chosen from a list set out by the examination board
Teachers of English usually try to capture students’ interest in language and literature by attending plays and participating in conferences and debates. A number of educational visit companies offer such opportunities. And visits to localities featured in famous books and to authors’ and poets’ homes can inspire even the most reluctant student.
Main organisations:
National Association for the Teaching of English
Inclusion: NASEN
Thought of visiting?
The Tolkien Trails (Birmingham and Lancashire)
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Bucks
Dr Johnson’s Museum and Library, Lichfield
Jane Austen’s House and Museum
Articles on English, Education and Trips on SchoolTripsAdvisor
The main footpath along the Stiperstones ridge goes straight down the side of The Hollies nature reserve. Few people step off the track to explore this ancient, scattered grove of hollies, but those that do soon fall under its spell. The trees are extraordinary characters, some of them three or four centuries old.
Activity examples:
Steep wooded slopes rise from the banks of the River Teme, leading to open grassland with glorious views across Ludlow to the Clee Hills. Networked with footpaths and flights of stone steps, the Common is easy to explore, with numerous seats for walkers to rest and enjoy the views.
Activity examples:
The Ceramic Collection is located in the Ceramic Gallery, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, where certain items from the collection are permanently on display. Some items are also on display at the School of Art. Items are also held in store in both locations.
Evesham’s leading venue for live entertainment, offering a diverse programme of events from dance to drama, concerts from rock to classical, comedy, pantomimes, musical theatre, workshops and so much more.
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress in Caernarfon, built in 1283 (it took over 1,000 more than four years to construct) by Edward I in order to stamp his authority on the rebellious Welsh.
The Gothic-styled late Victorian listed building was beautifully restored by The Old Belmont School Preservation Trust and today it is a hive of activity offering classes, conference facilities, a coffee shop and CS Lewis exhibition.
Theatre Royal is one of Britain's most significant theatre buildings and the only surviving Regency playhouse in the country.
The recently restored Grade I listed theatre offers you an authentic 19th century theatre-going experience, combined with contemporary bar and restaurant for the 21st century theatre-goer.
The National Nature Reserve status of Bradfield Woods recognises the fact that this is one of the most important woods in the country. Bradfield Woods is steeped in history and brimming with wildlife. The award-winning carbon-positive building includes a classroom, covered veranda and toilets.
Lackford Lakes is a wildlife haven created from gravel pits. Designated SSSI, with wetland, woodland, scrub, sandy heath and 11 lakes, birds and other wildlife can be seen close-up all year round. Located at the heart of the reserve, the centre has a classroom overlooking the reedbed, viewing gallery, picnic area and toilets.
An intimate family home, the history of The Vyne spans the centuries. From its royal beginnings in Tudor times to its place today as a intriguing retreat for you to explore, you can lose yourself in the surroundings that inspired great authors such as Jane Austen.
For nearly 400 years the estate was the property of the Egerton family until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1958. It is now financed and maintained by Cheshire East Council. This is one of the most complete historic estates open to visitors.
Late 17th-century house with lavish interiors and the Museum of Childhood
Open all year, Monday - Sunday. Dolwyddelan, built by Llywelyn Fawr, along with nearby Dolbadarn and Prysor, formed a collection of strategically important mountain fortresses for the Welsh ruler.
Great battles, ancient myths, spellbinding tales, pampered princesses, heroic knights. You can find them all here at Warwick Castle.
Playwright, politician, philosopher and wit George Bernard Shaw lived in this Edwardian villa for over 40 years from 1906. When he moved in, he was at the height of his fame. If you'd been walking up the drive 70 years ago, you would have been coming to visit one of the most famous, most photographed and most quoted men in the world.
Well preserved Tudor Home with gardens and some dressed rooms. We also provide a Tudor treasure chest handling collection. And a Servant's Life education activity led by costumed character.
Fareham’s local museum, tells the story of the Borough. Set in a fabulous Georgian building, the museum is right in the heart of Fareham. There are regular exhibitions and free family activities all year round and during the school holidays.
School visits to Westbury Manor Museum
Combine an educational day out with a fun-filled trip to Gulliver’s World Theme Park!
Who says learning can’t be fun? We have put together some brilliant education packs that will show you how to create a fantastic educational experience at Gulliver's.
Take the lesson out of the classroom and onto the theme park. We have topics and ideas that will really engage your group.
Remains of a Roman camp with visitor & community centre open Tuesdays and Wednesdays with artefacts, handling collection, mystery excavation, dressing up clothes, activity packs and facilitated visits available.
Segontium was later plundered to provide stone for Edward I's castle at Caernarfon.
Facilitated education activity: Life of a Roman Soldier.
Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses; but it was home to the larger than life Delaval family.
The house and surrounding landscape were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society, yet behind the formality lies a story of theatrical mischief.
Classworks is a performing arts organisation committed to working with young people and the wider community. Drawing on a range of expertise and our extensive costume collection we produce projects and performances involving participants in every aspect of the creative process within a professional, safe and supportive environment.
Thursford Collection is a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer shows, a silent movie theatre and old fashioned fairground carousels. There are also static displays of both fairground engines and road engines plus all kinds of related memorabilia. Ride on beautifully restored gallopers and gondolas and hear the music of the mighty Wurlitzer.
Wilton's is the world's oldest surviving Grand Music Hall and London's best kept secret. This stunning and atmospheric building is led by Frances Mayhew and produces an exciting programme of imaginative, diverse and distinct entertainment including theatre, music, comedy, cinema and cabaret.
Established in 1753, the British Museum in London is dedicated to human history and culture.
It is now the most popular tourist attraction in the UK, with over 6 million visitors each year.
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.