In English, we aim to equip students with the reading and literacy skills that they need to access the whole curriculum and the wider world. We aim to spark our students’ curiosity by looking at what is happening in the world around them. We are passionate about delivering a tailored curriculum to make English engaging and relevant, closely adhering to National Curriculum standards.

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. All student do a reading assessment on arrival and those that need it access reading intervention to help improve their reading ability. This gives students the best possible chance to access the wider curriculum.

Learning in Key Stage 3 encompasses the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our lessons respond to the individual learner’s needs so that students are given the opportunity to progress quickly and feel positive about their learning. We develop students’ social skills through discussion work, encouraging the sharing of ideas and opinions. Our approach is flexible, time sensitive and original. A topic-based approach is used. This allows a variety of texts, media and skills to be accessed at any time depending on the students’ needs.

Students in Year 10 and Year 11 are given the opportunity to study GCSE English Language. Some students will work towards the Functional Skills English qualification either alongside or instead of the GCSE offer. The curriculum builds upon the skills and knowledge acquired at Key Stage 3 and continues to develop students’ independence and thinking skills