The English curriculum is planned to ensure that students make progress in their learning by developing students’ knowledge and encouraging enjoyment in learning. Resources are differentiated and engaging to ensure that all of our students are inspired to learn and to foster an enjoyment of English language and literature.
At KS2 and years 7 and 8 we follow a Mastery approach to English through the programme ‘Pathways to Write.’ Units of work are delivered using high quality texts and children in all year groups are given varied opportunities for writing. Skills are built up through repetition within the units, and children apply these skills in the writing activities provided. Many opportunities for widening children’s vocabulary are given through the Pathways to Write approach and this builds on the extensive work we do in school to provide our children with a rich and varied vocabulary.
These half-termly modules cover the range of reading and writing required in the National Curriculum, using stimulating and accessible prose fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama materials. Pupils are introduced to gradually more challenging texts through years 7, 8 and 9. Within these modules pupils are taught different styles of writing and learn to match style to purpose. SPAG activities are integrated into the modules. There is a strong focus throughout on improving and extending vocabulary and communication skills. This curriculum addresses gaps in our pupils’ literacy abilities while providing stretch and challenge for our pupils who are working at or close to age related expectations. For pupils who need more support with phonics and decoding skills we use the Fresh Start programme extensively in KS2 and Year 7.
In Year 9 there is a focus in Summer Term on integrating skills that help pupils transition into KS4. We begin the Functional Skills syllabus in this term. KS4 pupils combine Functional skills level 1 or 2 with AQA GCSE English Language.
We provide our young people with the skills to cope and succeed in the wider world by embedding cultural capital and celebrating diversity through a wide range of texts and resources. Literacy and communication skills are developed throughout the curriculum and assessment is used regularly to ensure English targets are achieved and exceeded.
