English

We believe in the power of the English language. It can transform the lives of all students, helping them to be articulate and confident communicators, able to understand, analyse and evaluate the world around them.

We develop, broaden and consolidate the skills of reading, writing and speaking through a variety of high-quality texts. Our aim for this approach is to develop student confidence in their learning, giving them the ability to effectively express their ideas and justify their opinions.

We accredit at KS3 and KS4 through Functional Skills Entry level 1 to Level 2 and GCSE by the end of Year 11, if appropriate. Knowledge and skills are developed from student’s starting points in line with National Curriculum expectations.

Key Stage 3

At KS3 the English curriculum builds on skills developed through KS2 - revisiting and developing reading and writing skills to greater depth and competency. Students take baseline tests that allow us to identify appropriate pathways and teach a bespoke curriculum that is tailored to students’ needs and academic level.

Key Stage 4

At KS4 the English curriculum develops skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing that students will need to participate in society and employment. Students learn to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others confidently and effectively. Students joining at KS4 undertake a GCSE, Functional Skills and an LP1 baseline test in order to assess their individual starting point.

We embed exam questions focusing on the national curriculum objectives throughout our lessons, so that we are better able to assess students’ comprehension, recall, fluency and application of literary concepts in their answers.