mayfield

English

Read. Create. Think. Perform.

English teaches you to understand the world and communicate with confidence, creativity and purpose. At Mayfield, English is a vibrant and enriching subject that develops intellectual curiosity, empathy and critical thinking through the study of literature, language and performance.

Whether analysing Shakespeare, crafting original poetry, debating ideas or performing dramatic extracts, students are encouraged to discover their own voice while engaging with some of the most powerful writing ever created.

The Curriculum

From Year 7 onwards, students explore a rich and varied curriculum that includes poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction. Alongside studying great writers from across the centuries, students develop their own skills as writers, speakers and performers.

Students:

  • Read poetry, plays and novels every year
  • Write their own fiction and poetry
  • Explore biographies, articles, speeches and other non-fiction texts
  • Develop persuasive and discursive writing skills
  • Build confidence through speaking and performance
  • Spend dedicated time reading for pleasure in our libraries

Reading lies at the heart of everything we do. Through independent reading, students expand their vocabulary, deepen their understanding of the world and develop empathy and imagination.

IGCSE & A Level

All students study both IGCSE English Language and IGCSE English Literature, providing a strong foundation in communication, analysis and critical thinking.

At A Level, students have the opportunity to study English Literature in greater depth, engaging with an even wider range of texts and developing sophisticated analytical and interpretative skills.

A mixture of introspection and passion with a touch of logic that fascinates me endlessly."
Former Mayfield student

Beyond the Classroom

English at Mayfield extends far beyond lessons. We offer a rich programme of competitions, performances and literary events that encourage students to challenge themselves creatively and intellectually.

Highlights include:

  • Mayfield Poetry Day
  • Lower School Eisteddfod poetry performance showcase
  • Annual Short Story Competition
  • Shakespeare Off By Heart Competition
  • World Book Day celebrations
  • Lower School Shakespeare Day

These events inspire students of all ages to develop confidence, creativity and a lifelong appreciation of literature.

Degree Courses

Our students have progressed to degree courses including:

  • English Literature
  • English Language
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Drama
  • Theatre and Film Studies

Recent destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Exeter and York.

Recent trips

  • Poetry Live! Conference
  • Hamlet at The Marlowe Theatre
  • Troilus and Cressida at Shakespeare's Globe
  • The Rivals at The Orange Tree Theatre
  • The Brightening Air at The Old Vic

Clubs & Societies

  • Lower and Middle School Debating
  • Oxbridge Reading Club
  • Literary and Arts Zine
  • Reading and enrichment activities throughout the year

Careers

Former Mayfield students are working in:

  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Teaching
  • Publishing
  • Film and Media
  • Digital Content Creation
  • Poetry and Creative Writing

Highlights

In 2025, an A Level English student won a national playwriting competition before accepting an offer from Cambridge University to study English Literature. She has since revived her college theatre group and is producing her first play


Head of Department

Mrs Sinéad Hemsley

In September 2026, Mrs Sinéad Hemsley will join Mayfield as Head of English. Sinéad studied English Literature at the University of Edinburgh and completed her PGCE in English at the Institute of Education (UCL). She joins us from Claremont Senior School, where she taught English and Media Studies as Head of Communications Faculty.