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Staff ListAndrea Huhle (Head of Dept) Joanna Ellis Elizabeth Garrity Ryan Sutton Rachael Cuffaro Tracy Haynes Sade Antonio-Patterson Sonia Waheed Emily Hilton |
Overview/Curriculum statementThrough a range of engaging lessons, we aim to develop the reading, writing, communication and thinking skills of all our learners and set high expectations for each pupil. We group our learners according to the ability of individuals, with lessons structured to meet their needs. Learners gain confidence in communicating and writing for a wide range of purposes and audiences. We encourage learners to approach English creatively, making connections between ideas and texts and playing with language in an imaginative way. Through engaging English lessons, learners will consolidate and build upon their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and how meaning is shaped through language, both written, signed and spoken.
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Key Stage 3In English lessons we aim to develop communication and language skills through an ambitious and rich curriculum covering a range of genres. Learners follow a curriculum which is shaped by the Key Stage 3 English Curriculum, with some groups following an adapted curriculum to suit their learning needs, to ensure the continued development of skills in communication, reading, and writing. Our curriculum is tailored for each individual and constantly evolves to meet the needs of every learner. The curriculum includes the study of a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts which are chosen to engage and challenge learners. Pupils study whole books, extracts from books, short stories, poems and plays with a wide coverage of genres. We aim to encourage and foster a love of reading and the development of thinking skills. We provide membership for every child to an online library (SORA) to supplement and enhance the reading choices for our learners. Our KS3 Curriculum can be found here: |
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Every child in KS3 works on a carefully developed rubric which has been constructed in line with the National Curriculum. This rubric tracks their progress across reading, writing and communication skills and every lesson addresses the next step in their learning. Pre- and post- assessments measure progress which, along with teacher assessment, informs the progress made on the pupil rubric.
You can see a copy of our English rubrics for Reading, Writing and Communication here:
Baddesley Clinton Visit During the Autumn term, our Year 7 (A1 and A2 groups) visit Baddesley Clinton, a National Trust property near Knowle. Learners are tasked with collecting information about the property and surrounding grounds to form the basis of a non-chronological report. Learners ask a range of interesting questions to elicit information. They are particularly enthralled when hearing about a murder that happened in the library and seeing the blood stain on the wooden floor! Using facts they collect and photos taken on their ipads, learners write some informative reports.
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Key Stage 4/5On entry to KS4/5, an examination course is identified for each individual. We have a range of examination courses to meet the needs of every individual. These courses range from Entry 1,2,3, Level One up to GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature. Every course aims to develop the reading, writing and communication skills of our learners.
For Entry 1, 2, 3 and Level One and Two courses, pupils focus on 6 elements:
Some learners will study GCSE English Language (Exam board: AQA) and may also take GCSE English Literature (AQA) depending on their ability. GCSE English Language explores creative reading and writing, writers’ viewpoints and perspectives and communication skills. GCSE Literature involves the in-depth study of a Shakespeare play, a 19th Century Novel, a modern text (Post 1914) and a selection of poetry. |
Assessment at Key Stage 4/5Entry 1, 2, 3 and Level One/ Level Two courses are modular examinations and are booked as soon as an individual learner is ready. Once the full qualification has been achieved, learners begin work on the next qualification.
Learners are continually assessed during their GCSE courses to ensure they are achieving their targets. For GCSE courses, examinations are taken at the end of the 2-year course.
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Exam Board WebsitesAscentis Entry Level One Ascentis Entry 1 Specification
Ascentis Entry Level Two
Ascentis Entry Level Three
Ascentis Level One English Level One Specification
AQA GCSE English Language GCSE English Language Specification
AQA GCSE English Literature 8702 |
Other useful websitesBBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zt3rkqt For GCSE: http://www.educationquizzes.com/gcse/english/
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Possible future careersMost jobs require evidence of good English skills. For learners who want to study English to a degree level, the following jobs may be of interest.
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Extended Project with Author Steve Camden In collaboration with the REP Theatre, selected Key Stage 4/5 learners took part in a 4 week project with Steve Camden, a renowned poet, published author and playwright. Steve inspired creativity in our learners as they created plots, character descriptions, scripts and visual images in a story based around an imaginary city: ‘Fridge City.’ Our learners were introduced to the beginning of a story that Steve is currently creating, welcoming the input of learners from across the country. In this work in progress, Steve has created the character of Dana who is babysitting her younger brother. Becoming engrossed in work, Dana loses her brother only to discover that he has been transported in an old computer and is lost in ‘Fridge City’. Our KS4/5 learners took up the story from this point, coming up with amazing plotlines and flamboyant characters. Creativity was certainly flowing amongst our young people and Steve was blown away by their suggestions. Hopefully we’ll see some of them crop up in his future novels! |
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