2024 – 2025 Highlights: English

The English Department has been focusing on expanding the English enrichment programme. The year got off to a flying start with a Year 11 trip to Alexandra Palace on the first day back to see An Inspector Calls. The stagecraft was stunning: the drama played out in the confines of an Edwardian dining room which crumbled alongside the reputations of the Birlings as the Inspector exposed their moral failings.

The A Level English pupils and a selection of Year 10 and 11 pupils were treated to a workshop by the slam poet Harry Baker. Harry delighted and entertained us with a performance of a poem about wellington boots. We chose an object to inspire our own poems and then were treated to a live performance for the whole Sixth Form and invited guests from our partnership schools: Parliament Hill and William Ellis.

A group of Year 11 students went to see Macbeth in a compressed and modernised form at the Globe Theatre. Soraya C said, “It was satisfying and thought provoking to watch the play we had been studying for months come to life. Many of us were expecting an old-fashioned and classical rendition of the play filled with dramatic staging and costumes. However, the play was far from that. It was modern, kept us guessing at what would happen next and subverted our expectations of a traditional Shakespearian tragedy.”

In March, A Level English Literature students – joined by a small group of GCSE pupils – went to see a new production of Hamlet at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. The play unfolded entirely aboard a perpetually tilting ship, a bold staging choice that reframed the psychological turbulence at the heart of the tragedy. The production sparked lively debate among students, leaving a lasting impression that continued to resonate long after the final curtain.

This year marked Channing’s inaugural Arts Week which was celebrated with a number of interdisciplinary talks and events celebrating women in the arts. This week-long event formed part of our celebration of World Book Day and International Women’s Day. We loved seeing the whole of the Sixth Form and many members of staff dressed as their favourite female literary characters. The assembly on the final day gave us an insight into the ways in which women writers, musicians, filmmakers, musicians and activists have used the arts to disrupt the status quo.

The Channing Debating Society continues to enjoy spirited conversations about topical issues. This year, the Senior team took part in the ESU national competition, opposing the introduction of a four day working week in the first round and opposing the removal of copyright laws in the field of music in the second round. The Junior debaters from Channing and St Aloysius’ sparred over topics including whether AI enhances or hinders creativity and whether smartphones should be banned for under sixteens. The Year 5 and 6 debaters, coached by Cara C in Year 7, have honed their skills, culminating in a show debate performed for their parents and carers.

Our Literary Society brought the world of mystery and intrigue to life as Year 12 students teamed up with Year 8 literacy officers to present a whole-school assembly on two titans of crime fiction: the legendary Agatha Christie and rising star Holly Jackson. With some lively debating (and some well-timed jokes), the students made a compelling case for each author. Afterwards, the whole school had the chance to cast their vote – and the verdict is in: Agatha Christie remains the undisputed Queen of Crime. On National Poetry Day, Literary Society also led an assembly that sparked a thoughtful dive into the poems that resonated with Year 13 and why poetry still matters.

Key Stage 4 and 5 students have enjoyed an exciting programme of visiting speakers. We were especially delighted to team up with the Art History Department and welcomed alumna Lucy Steeds, who spoke passionately about her debut novel The Artist. Ex-Channing student Ella Shindler joined us to give students a fascinating glimpse into her dynamic career in the literary industry. Their insights into writing, publishing and creative careers left students inspired and full of questions. Elsewhere in our weekly sessions, Literary Society has continued to venture beyond the curriculum – including a gripping National Theatre screening of Othello that left the room in stunned silence and an exploration of the moving Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.

Meanwhile, our budding journalists in Year 10 stepped into the fast-paced world of media with an inspiring visit to The Times offices in central London. There, they explored the newsroom floor, met professional reporters and gained a behind-the-scenes look at how breaking news is crafted and shared. It was an eye-opening experience that sparked curiosity – and perhaps a few future careers.

From classic whodunnits to inspiring theatre trips, headline-making newsrooms and guest speakers, it’s been a year full of literary discovery and real-world learning. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!

Ms Wilkinson, Head of English

Ms Donington, Deputy Head of English