Faculty – English
English Language and Literature
‘Language most shows a man; speak that I may see thee.’
Ben Jonson
We offer the exhilarating prospect of delving into the psyche of renowned authors, whose creative works are brought to life in the classrooms. Through exciting stories and plays the imagination of our pupils are ignited and this helps expand their intellect and grasp the humane element of our society. Our pupils are endowed with the ideals of sympathy, empathy and all other altruistic emotions that make us better
citizens of tomorrow. Through a holistic approach and learner centred pedagogy the English Faculty enthusiastically imparts the syllabus to eager minds. This teaching learning process is supplemented by exciting reading materials sourced from a vast collection of classics and contemporary books that grace the school’s Peacey Library. The faculty also encourages the student to complement their theoretical learning via visuals of dramatised literary works. Students are motivated to join the Book Club, Debating Society, Essay and Composition Club, Poetry Club and
Dramatics Club to supplement their curriculum-based learning.
The Faculty of English recognises creativity as a hallmark of excellence and encourages the pupil to interpret and comprehend their lessons in the manner best suited to the child’s understanding and role-play forms a part of that. They are inspired to contribute creative pieces of writing to the annual poetry magazine titled Pegasus, to the biannual newsletter The Mitre and to the annual school magazine The Cottonian. Various incentive-based activities are conducted to strengthen the student’s understanding of the English Language. As the medium of communication between all members of the BCS, Shimla family is English, the Department has the exciting task of being linguistic mentors even outside the classrooms. Keeping in mind that 99% students do not have English as their mother tongue, the Department goes that extra mile to inculcate the love for English via Open Prize Competitions like the Anderson essay prize, the Hailey literature prize, the Durrant reading prize, the Vishwanath reading prize and the Bruce reading prize. The Rev. Samuel Slater debating competition is one of India’s prestigious inter school debate symposium and this annual event is conducted by the Department.
The members of the Department of English at BCS are adept at getting through to impressionable minds and infusing it with love for this international tongue, which was brought to the subcontinent some 270 years ago.