English | St Ciaran's College

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Members of Department

Mrs C. O’Donnell (Head of Department)

Miss K. Hughes

Mrs D. Marlow

Mrs A. Murphy

Mrs R. Mellon

Mrs S. McMahon

Mrs M. O’Hagan

Mrs K. Quinn

Miss C. Rafferty

Mr C. Sherry

The English Department at St Ciaran’s is a supportive and inclusive space where students are encouraged to explore language and literature with curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Our ethos centres on fostering a genuine enjoyment of English—whether through reading, writing, speaking, or listening—and helping students discover the power of language as a tool for self-expression, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.

We are committed to creating a learning environment that is encouraging, engaging, and empowering. Through a carefully structured curriculum, we aim to engage learners of all abilities, nurture individual talents, and build the skills they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Key Stage 3

Key Stage 4

Key Stage 5

KS3

Key Stage 3

Building Foundations in Language, Identity and Culture

At Key Stage 3, students lay strong foundations in literacy, analytical thinking, and personal expression. They engage with a wide range of texts, with a particular emphasis on Irish writers such as Seamus Heaney, Patrick Kavanagh, and Polly Devlin. These texts are chosen not only for their literary merit but also for their relevance to students’ lives, encouraging meaningful discussion and personal connection.

Year 8 – Exploring Identity and Media Awareness

Students begin with a thematic unit on identity and belonging, culminating in a personal recount about their transition to St Ciaran’s. They study a class novel through creative tasks such as role play and character exploration, fostering empathy and collaborative learning. A media unit, delivered in partnership with The Irish News, introduces visual literacy and critical thinking, while raising awareness of contemporary issues such as healthy eating, environmental responsibility, and fake news. The year concludes with fiction reading to prepare for the summer assessment.

Year 9 – Deepening Literary Insight and Communication Skills

Students study the poetry of Seamus Heaney and other poets, exploring how language reflects personal and universal themes. A class novel supports further literary analysis and includes a talking and listening assessment to develop oral communication and interpretive skills. A film unit enhances visual literacy and encourages analysis of storytelling across media.

Year 10 – Reading for Purpose, Writing with Precision

Students begin with fiction and non-fiction reading, developing analytical and evaluative skills. A class novel supports fiction writing and deeper exploration of narrative structure, theme, and language. Debating and public speaking are introduced, encouraging students to articulate viewpoints, engage in respectful dialogue, and develop persuasive techniques. The year ends with non-fiction writing, reinforcing clarity, purpose, and precision.

KS4

Key Stage 4

Developing Analytical Skills and Literary Appreciation

At Key Stage 4, students follow the CCEA GCSE specifications for English Language and English Literature, with external exams completed across Years 11 and 12. The curriculum is designed to deepen understanding of how language works, enhance creative and analytical writing, and foster a lasting appreciation of literature.

GCSE English Language

Students develop skills in:

Reading for understanding, analysis, and evaluation
Writing for different audiences and purposes
Speaking and listening through individual and group presentations

Key Assessments:

Summer of Year 11: Unit 4 (30%)– Personal or Creative Writing (external exam)
November of Year 12: Unit 1 (30%)– Writing for Purpose and Audience and Reading to Access Non-Fiction and Media Texts (external exam)
Throughout the course: Controlled assessments and speaking/listening tasks (20%).

GCSE English Literature

Texts studied:

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck – exploring loneliness, dreams, and social injustice
Juno and the Paycock by Seán O’Casey – examining family, politics, and survival in post-Civil War Dublin
CCEA Relationships Anthology – poetry exploring human connections and emotions

Key Assessments:

Summer of Year 11: Unit 1 – The Study of Prose (external exam)
Summer of Year 12: Unit 2 – Drama and Poetry (external exam)

KS5

Key Stage 5

Advanced Literary Study and Independent Thinking

At Sixth Form, students follow the CCEA AS and A2 English Literature specification, which promotes independent thought, deeper literary engagement, and academic rigour.

AS Level (Year 13)

Texts studied:

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë – exploring love, revenge, and the Gothic tradition
Translations by Brian Friel – examining language, identity, and colonialism
Frost and Heaney Anthology – comparative study of nature, memory, and place

Assessment includes close reading, comparative analysis, and contextual understanding.

A2 Level (Year 14)

Texts studied:

The Wife of Bath’s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer – exploring gender, power, and medieval society
As You Like It by William Shakespeare – a comedic exploration of love and identity
Unseen Poetry – developing confidence in responding to unfamiliar texts
Novel Study – independent coursework on two novels of the student’s choice

This stage prepares students for further academic study and equips them with transferable skills in analysis, argumentation, and communication.