"Literature is one of the most interesting and significant expressions of humanity" - P.T. Barnum
At Westside we aim to develop your skills, explore language and encourage creativity in English. We believe in fostering a deep appreciation for literature and language. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing an enriching learning experience that empowers students to express themselves confidently through writing, speaking, and critical analysis.
We feel strongly that English is not simply a subject learnt in school, but something that translates into everyone’s lives outside the classroom. It encourages better communication and an understanding of human nature.
Through our comprehensive curriculum, students engage with a diverse range of texts, from classic literature to contemporary works, allowing them to broaden their perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world around them. We cultivate a supportive learning environment where every student is encouraged to voice their opinions, ask questions, and explore their unique interests in English.
With a focus on developing essential skills such as communication, comprehension, and creative thinking, our English department equips students with the tools they need to succeed both academically and beyond. Whether they are crafting compelling essays, participating in lively discussions, or honing their presentation skills, students at Westside are empowered to unlock their full potential and become confident, articulate communicators.
Join us on a journey of discovery, imagination, and self-expression in the world of English at Westside Secondary School. Together, let's inspire a lifelong love of learning and language.
Ms J Montegriffo - Head of English
Mrs N Massetti - Acting Assistant to Head of English
Ms M Bosano
Mrs Z Porter
Ms C Trinidad
Mrs A Murien
Miss C Polson
Miss F Makey
Mrs K Griffiths
Mrs L Shaw
Miss S Bensadon
Mr L Pitaluga
Miss K Monteverde
The Writer of the Week project is designed to celebrate and showcase the writing achievements of our students. Each week, one outstanding writer from our school community is selected based on their creativity, originality and commitment to excellence in writing.
This project not only highlights the talent and hard work of our students, it also encourages a love for writing and literacy across all year groups. By acknowledging and honouring exceptional writing, we aim to inspire and motivate our students to hone their writing skills and express themselves through their writing. The Writer of the Week project is, therefore, a platform from which to recognise and celebrate the diverse voices and talents of our students, fostering an environment where creativity and self-expression are valued and encouraged.
Our Year 7s have been busy working on their letter writing skills by writing letters to Year 6 students at Bishop Fitzgerald and St Bernard’s Upper Primary Schools about their experience of transitioning to Secondary School.
The Royal Gibraltar Post Office visited us to collect our letters and deliver them to the middle schools- we are now eagerly awaiting their reply!
Our talented Writer of the Week students had an incredible opportunity to showcase their creativity recently, as they read their nominated pieces for GBC radio. The students worked with Radio Gibraltar to bring their work to life in a dynamic and engaging format.
The recordings were broadcast on Radio Gibraltar's Afternoon Show, giving the wider community a chance to hear the fantastic work being produced by our students. It was a proud moment for everyone involved, and we can’t wait to hear what they’ll write next!
This term, our Year 10 students had the privilege of hearing from former Manchester City player Nedum Onuoha, who visited Westside School as part of the Gibraltar Literary Festival. He shared insights into his incredible career and life beyond the pitch. Onuoha, known for his time in the Premier League and as captain at QPR, captivated the students with stories of determination, resilience, and the lessons he’s learned from professional sport.
The students had explored extracts of his inspiring book, Kicking Back, which reflects on his journey through football, addressing themes such as overcoming challenges, identity, and maintaining mental strength under pressure.
The Year 10s were thoroughly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and showing a genuine interest in Onuoha’s experiences. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and curiosity, and we hope they took away valuable lessons that will inspire them in their own paths!
World Book Day holds a special place in our hearts. It's a celebration of the transformative power of literature. Books are so much more than just words on a page; they are portals to new worlds, windows to diverse cultures, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and creativity. Witnessing the joy of reading within our students is a privilege, and as teachers, we cherish the opportunity to guide them on this journey of discovery, nurturing their love for learning and the written word. Let's continue to inspire and empower the next generation through the magic found within the pages of a book!
Monday 11th writer Miles Salter spoke to our entire Year 9 cohort about his journey through journalism. Our classes really enjoyed the zoom calls and it sparked some brilliant conversations. It's made the news more tangible to our students and really got them thinking.
Our creative writing club is for people who enjoy writing and want to explore different ways of being creative in their writing away from the classroom. We use picture prompts, inspiration from existing genres, characters or favourite authors. We've explored writing from our own memory and writing as a way to remove stress. We have also explored different genres and script writing.
It's a club for pupils who find writing fun, creative and a way to express themselves. We often combine writing with illustration and it's open to any student from any year group.
Every first and last Wednesday of the month, run by Miss Makey and a group of Year 12 students in Room 215 at lunch.
The KS3 Bookclub (for students in Years 7-9) aims to foster a love of reading for pleasure. At the start of each month, Miss Makey sets a theme and students will then choose a book to read and discuss on the last week of the month, often from our fantastic school library. Our discussions are informal and fun - we do more than just read at Bookclub! We often design trendy book reviews, make collages and host quizzes and games too. Bookclub is a safe space for students to express themselves as much or as little as they wish, and share their love of reading with no judgement.
This club is targeted for Year 12 & 13 students who want to explore texts outside the realms of the syllabus and beyond the assessment objectives required for them in their exams. They do not need to be studying English A Level to attend, last year one of our most active participants was a staunch STEM girl (but very well read!).
This term we hope to explore the likes of T.S.Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, Dante's Inferno, American corruption in Death of a Salesman, Maya Angelou's poetry, Woolf's To The Lighthouse and much more. We also look at texts that complement their course such as Of Mice and Men, and other American Literature.
