Key Stage 3 | Key Stage 4 | Useful Websites
Our Vision for the English Department
Welcome to the English department!
Here in English, we strongly believe that through the teaching of the wide-ranging elements of the curriculum, we are helping to develop the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills of our young people, in order to provide them with the necessary expertise to participate fully in both school and society. Our goal, through the development of a range of modes of communication, is that pupils will learn to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to interact with others confidently and effectively.
English offers pupils the opportunity to learn about the cultural heritage of themselves and others and to appreciate a rich and influential legacy of literature. Pupils learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts, gaining access to the pleasure and world of knowledge that reading offers. Through such literary experiences, students begin to appreciate the contribution that such writing has made to our sense of cultural identity as well as helping them to understand how language works. Using this understanding, pupils are more effectively skilled in adapting what they say to specific situations as well as making them more adept at interpreting the choices made by other writers and speakers.
We strongly believe that by helping students to develop strong communication skills and the ability to interpret and manipulate language, we are equipping them with the necessary tools to work independently in a range of other subjects and situations. We further strengthen our students’ working toolkits through the development of the following personal learning and thinking skills:
Independent enquirers
Pupils are encouraged to analyse and evaluate information and to use language in order to explore ideas and scenarios. They use a range of sources, including book and web-based texts, in order to research issues and support their own theories. Students are regularly invited to explore issues empathetically and to develop their beliefs in a critical and considered way.
Creative thinkers
In English, our aim is to develop learners who can develop a range of strategies for use in forming solutions to a variety of problems and tasks. Students are actively encouraged to work with a range of people, including both peers and adults, in order to find imaginative solutions and connect their thinking up with that of others. Open-ended tasks are often set to allow the young people to cut their own paths and work through challenges in a creative and original way.
Team Workers
Students regularly work in a variety of groupings and complete assignments that require them to work collaboratively with one or more others, particularly during speaking and listening tasks. They have to learn to adapt their behaviour and approach according to their grouping and to be sensitive to the thoughts and contributions of others. The development of this more independent way of working requires pupils to develop their organisational skills and be self-disciplined within the learning environment. Students are always encouraged to give critical feedback to others’ work and their views are listened to and valued.
Self managers
Within English, pupils are increasingly required to manage their own learning. The KS3 English curriculum is organised by topic, naturally encouraging a more project-based approach, whilst during GCSE coursework assignments, after the initial teaching period, students are required to manage their own time and resources in order to complete their work on time and to the necessary standard. Students are supported in becoming increasingly aware of the need to revisit work critically and plan to make the necessary changes, evaluating their own and others’ work. Through this collaborative approach, the young people learn to manage their emotions and build strong working relationships with others.
Effective participators
English teaches the art of being persuasive through the manipulation of language and structures. Through increased confidence in this area, students are able to effectively put a point of view across to others, occasionally even one that may not necessarily be their own. Conversely, pupils are encouraged to listen to the views of others and to add their own contributions. Through group discussions, students learn to work through a variety of situations, and are encouraged to take on the role of manager, allowing them to take a leading role in moving situations forward and developing solutions.
Reflective learners
Pupils review, analyse and evaluate their work through both their KS3 and KS4 courses. They are invited to contribute to the process of setting targets and are regularly given the opportunity to assess their own work, and that of others, against recognised national standards. Through a structured and supported process, we equip young people with the personal skills required in order to accept critical feedback from others and to act positively on the comments of others. As they grow, students become increasingly aware of the need to adapt their communication to their audience and this is one of the key areas of assessment, particularly at KS4.
Members of the English team
Emma Peachman Director of Standards KS3 English
Sue Catlow Director of Standards KS4 English
Claire Queen KS 3 & 4 class teacher
Kim Potter KS 3 & 4 class teacher
Ann Zammit KS 3 & 4 class teacher / Assistant Headteacher
Zoe Bates KS 3 class teacher
Emma Armitage KS3 class teacher
All students study English for 4 lessons per week in years 7 -11.