English

The main focus of the English department is the study of English Literature. We believe in books and all they have to offer – ideas, pleasure, excitement, emotion. The first three years at Caterham School are the fun years. After that it is time for GCSEs and no-one would dare claim that examination-orientated years are the best ones of a pupil’s life. Our GCSE candidates are very successful and have a thorough knowledge of what the OCR syllabus requires, but Years 7 to 9 are the most exhilarating. We attend a workshop at The Globe Theatre, we invite authors to the school to talk to pupils and once a week the junior classes make themselves comfortable on bean bags in the Junior Library to enjoy a good read.

There are all kinds of rewards too for junior readers and writers from any year have a chance of seeing their work published in ‘Mind’s Eye’, the full colour creative magazine produced jointly by the English and Art departments.

We also teach full stops and spelling rules, however, because no teacher in his or her right mind should ever suggest that these things take care of themselves.

Biographies

Gerald Killingworth M.A (London), P.G.C.E. (Cantab), Head of English

Gerald Killingworth has been Head of English at Caterham for 14 years. He makes a point of taking a Year 7 class each year, partly because he thinks it important to teach the whole age range at the school, but also because he can indulge his interest in children’s fantasy literature. He is very keen on any initiative which encourages an enthusiasm for reading, particularly amongst the more reluctant students. Gerald also believes in the teaching of grammar which, possibly, isn’t quite so much fun. He has directed ‘Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay’ and ‘The Insect Play’ in his time at the school.

Angela Cox BA PGCE Teacher of English

Angela brought with her not just an enthusiasm for her subject, but a love of equestrian sports as well, which she has promoted very successfully within school. With a BA and PGCE from the University of Sussex, Angela teaches across the age range within the school and, along with other members of the department, has a strong belief in the promotion of learning beyond the classroom, whether through reading initiatives or extra-curricular theatre trips.

Amanda Symss BA (Hons) - Second in Department

Honours Graduate of University of Surrey, formerly Head of English in Rutherford College, NZ. She gained a PGCE from the University of Strathclyde after working on a magazine and for a graphic design company. Amanda believes very strongly in using children’s prior knowledge and experience s to facilitate their learning. She advocates learning beyond the classroom in terms of travelling, using technology to enhance teaching and learning and reading books a way to access wider experience. Amanda is the new Editor of the school magazine ‘The Caterhamian’.

Andion Van Niekerk BA, Teacher of English, Geography and Games Head of Junior Boys Boarding

Andion holds a BA from the University of Pretoria (SA) and has previously taught in South Africa and Switzerland. A popular member of the department, his pupils enjoy his creative approach to the subject. Outside the classroom he may be found in the Gym, running the school circus club or helping in the boarding house.

Marc Broughton BA (Hons) – Head of Fifth Year

A graduate of the University of Worcester Previously taught English at Liverpool College. He is a keen sportsman who currently coaches Rugby and Cricket and has the British Alpine Association Ski Leader award and Basic Ski Instruction

Lucy Thomas BA (Hons) - Second in Department

An honours graduate of the University of London, Royal Holloway who has previously taught at Therfield School, Leatherhead.

Selena Collins BA (Hons) – Teacher of English

Following the completion of an honours degree at University of London, Royal Holloway, and a Diploma in Women’s Literature Studies at the University of Surrey, Selena Collins completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Education at King’s College, London. She joins us following four years at King’s College for the Arts and Technology in Guildford.

Alice O’Donnell MA - Teacher English,  Head of Third Year

A graduate of St Andrews who previously taught at The Downs School, Compton, Berkshire.

Alexandra Yankova BA (Hons) Teacher of English

A graduate of Bristol University.