English
Intent
English at Key Stage 3 is an extension and expansion of Literacy from Primary school. The curriculum is preparation for the demands of Key Stage 4 and, more importantly, for life! These skills are built upon through the introduction of increasingly challenging texts from a widening canon, read in and out of the classroom; responses are more analytical and evaluative and increasingly require discursive essay style responses. The use of literary techniques and terminology is integrated through teaching, weekly focuses and supporting homework tasks. Writing skills are honed to increase complexity and sophistication as well as sensitive language and structural choices. Speaking and Listening play a crucial role with pupils supported to develop these skills through regular opportunities, modelling and feedback.
By Key Stage 4, students are ready for the demands of two GCSEs – English Language and English Literature. All are entered for these. In addition to the set texts for the Literature examinations, pupils prepare for the unseen texts through wide reading both in and out of school time. Speaking and Listening proficiency is also enhanced through a range of experiences and demonstrated in the GCSE endorsement.
Pupils take pride in their English work which takes them beyond the classroom to outdoor activities including theatre trips, creative writing visits and residentials. Over the last year, we have worked to diversify our curriculum changing several texts and widening the provision of books in the school library adding about 300 books from under-represented writers.
Implementation
In Year 7 are taught in mixed ability groups following a varied curriculum. From Year 8 upwards, pupils are organised into groups according to their needs. While ability plays a part in this, the need for support and guidance is equally important; all follow the same broad curriculum. Similar homework tasks are set across the year groups for equality of experience and to prepare for the study skills needed in the later years. Pupils are regularly tested for progress in reading through the ARP system and reading skills are developed individually further through wider interventions at all levels.
At Key Stage 4, pupils prepare for their GCSE exams in both English Language and English Literature. Pupils complete their English Literature exams at the end of Year 10 and English Language at the end of Year 11. All pupils sit the same paper – there are no tiers. As the courses are assessed through terminal examinations, pupils complete mock exams at three points over the two years of study as well as regular (and increasingly frequent) timed writing practices on individual questions. To prepare, pupils learn relevant textual details, terminology and techniques to gain the maximum marks. Feedback is detailed, especially after the mock exams, and pupils are expected to follow the advice offered and study independently to do this. Also, they are supported though a substantial on-line collation of materials, after school revision sessions and a revision residential in April.
Additional opportunities are offered to all pupils through the English department to attend clubs, experience trips and participate in local and national competitions. For example, theatre trips – as appropriate and available, Poetry in the Woods, Writing Society and the school Book Club Reading App. The department also work closely with the primary school, including reading sessions, assemblies with the ‘Punctuation Heroes’ and shared poetry competitions.