English

What does English learning look like?

English is how students can connect and communicate with the world. Effective English skills increases our students’ community access, relationships, ability to learn independently and self-advocate effectively. English is the key to ensure your child is fully equipped to succeed in their next destinations. This could be Entry Level skills so that students can communicate clearly in real life scenarios, or gaining a GCSE in English that can open so many doors for them. Cross curricular links are made throughout the curriculum. Reading, writing, speaking and listening are not just for the English classroom, they are part of everyday life and therefore embedded in all curriculum subjects.

What will my child learn in each Key Stage? Key Stage 3 focuses on fostering a love of English for your child with engaging and enriching topics. We teach a range of text types both fiction and non-fiction that incorporate writing to inform, entertain and persuade. Our choice of books are continually evolving but can be found on the long term plan. We have carefully selected books that are suited each group’s academic ability, engaging and related to our students. For example, ‘Championing Neurodiversity’ explored through the books Goldfish Boy, The Invisible Boy and Through the Eyes of Us. In Key Stage 4 and 5 your child will begin preparation for their exams, where we work on exam readiness skills. We offer Entry Level Functional Skills (1-3), GCSE English Language 2.0 (1-9) in and English Language and Literature GCSE (1-9). We build upon previous learning from KS3 and apply it to your child’s chosen qualification. Preparation for Adulthood is also embedded in the curriculum to teach your child to apply their English skills to real life situations for example, job interviews, form filling and presenting information. Reading a huge focus for the whole school and we incorporate reading sessions and library time within English lessons for all students. In addition to classroom learning, we also provide those students who need it with reading and writing interventions. We use Fresh Start phonics or Alpha to Omega depending on the individual student’s needs. We are currently delivering an Oracy Project which works closely with the SaLT team to support students in developing their presentation skills, this can be presenting information and speeches in class, interview techniques and holding a conversation. SaLT is embedded into the English curriculum. Explicit teaching of vocabulary is taught at the beginning of the topic and key words are revisited throughout the lessons. For some groups, we also offer coteaching between the English teacher and SaLT teacher.

How will my child be assessed? Your child will complete a Reading Age and Spelling Age assessment at the beginning of each academic year. We group students supports us in ensuring students are in the correct group based on their academic ability. Your child will also be assessed termly, using teacher assessments such as quizzes, end of topic assessments and practice assessments. Students in KS4 and 5 will take their respective exams when we feel they are ready to take them. In most instances, students sit their exams at the end of the second year of starting their course.

English Curriculum: