- GCSE
- GCSE
Subject list
English
Words That Shape the World
At Rochester Independent College, our English courses offer a dynamic journey through both language and literature, combining creativity with critical analysis. Students develop strong foundational skills in grammar, vocabulary, and writing, while exploring diverse forms—from persuasive essays to literary texts examined through feminist, Marxist, and post-colonial lenses. We encourage students to find their voice, think independently, and engage with a wide range of perspectives, from canonical authors to marginalised voices. With an emphasis on clarity, empathy, and cultural awareness, our courses empower students to become confident communicators, thoughtful readers, and reflective global citizens.
In English Language, students embark on a journey that begins with mastering the fundamentals—grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary—and quickly advances into the art of communication. Whether you're crafting persuasive arguments or vivid short stories, the focus is on finding your voice and learning how to make it resonate. As Mark Twain reminded us, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug”—and at RIC, we help you strike lightning every time.
IGCSE English Language at RIC encourages both creative and critical thinking. You’ll experiment with tone, audience, and purpose, write with flair and intention, and refine your ability to understand and use language in real-world contexts. As Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” We’re here to help you tell it—with style, clarity, and confidence.
If people cannot write well, they cannot think well; and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them.
In English Literature, students are invited into an intellectually rich exploration of texts that span genres, cultures, and centuries. Our aim is not only to sharpen your analytical skills but also to nurture your curiosity and empathy. Literature is a window into different lives and different worlds, and at RIC we dive deep into its pages to uncover what authors—from Shakespeare to contemporary voices—can teach us about society, identity, and the human condition.
At A level, our studies include tragedy and crime fiction, explored through a variety of critical lenses such as feminism, Marxism, eco-criticism, and post-colonial theory. You’ll engage with the ideas of theorists like Edward Said and bell hooks, and investigate how literature reflects, critiques, and shapes the societies it emerges from.
We don’t confine ourselves to the Western canon. From marginalised voices to revolutionary texts, we encourage our students to read widely and think deeply, developing not just precision in literary analysis, but a compassionate understanding of diverse human experiences.
Literature is where I go to explore the highest and lowest places in human society and in the human spirit, where I hope to find not absolute truth but the truth of the tale, of the imagination and of the heart
At RIC, English is about more than just reading and writing. It’s about thinking critically, speaking boldly, and seeing the world differently. Whether you're untangling a poem, penning your own narrative, or debating the role of literature in society, you’ll gain the skills and insights to become not just a student of English—but a true citizen of the world.
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