English

Aims

At St Joseph’s, our English Department is proud to build on the wonderful foundations created in our partner primary schools. We want every student to feel confident, creative, and capable when expressing themselves, whether they’re speaking, writing, performing, or thinking critically about the world around them.

Through studying an exciting range of texts, our pupils develop their imaginations, strengthen their communication skills, and discover the power and beauty of language. We nurture curiosity, cultural awareness, and a love of reading that lasts well beyond the classroom.

Learning English at St Joseph’s is a rich and lively experience. Alongside high academic standards, pupils enjoy opportunities to see English come alive in the wider world. This year alone, our students have celebrated National Poetry Week with dynamic, sports‑themed performance poetry, explored Seamus Heaney’s birthplace in County Derry, and enjoyed professional theatre companies who brought their productions directly into our school.

Meet the Team

Our passionate and dedicated English teachers work together to create a supportive, stimulating learning environment:

Miss J McQuaid – Head of Department
Mrs P Crozier
Mrs L Johnston
Miss D McHugh
Mr O Garvey

KS3

Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils learn within their form groups and follow a vibrant programme of study that includes novels, plays, poetry, and a range of modern and digital texts. From Shakespearean drama to contemporary media, pupils are encouraged to read widely, think deeply, and develop their own voice.

KS4

In Years 11 and 12, all students work towards the CCEA GCSE English Language qualification, developing their spoken and written communication through a diverse collection of texts—poetry, prose, drama, non‑fiction and short stories. We continue to build on the strong foundations laid in Key Stage 3, helping pupils refine their skills and read with confidence and insight.

Students who love reading and analysis can also choose to study GCSE English Literature as an additional qualification.