English

Course Outline

• All students follow an exciting, engaging curriculum in line with the National Strategy for English. The National Strategy enables pupils to have access to a wide range of texts: Fiction and non fiction, whilst encouraging them to become independent, reflective learners.
  

• Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils will be taught: Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing
  

• Pupils will also benefit from an extra hour of English each week delivered as a Literacy lesson.
  

• At Smithills School, classes are setted according to ability so that we can offer more support to those who need it.
  

• The English department arranges many extra curricular activities such as theatre trips, visiting speakers and learning workshops.
  

• Pupils have library lessons and benefit from extensive use of ICT within the department: All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards.
  

• The Smithills’ English department aims to offer a challenging, enjoyable curriculum in which pupil progress is the primary objective.

Assessment

• Individual pupils are continuously monitored and assessed through the APP (Assessing Pupil Progress) method which targets specific learning needs and allows for clear and focused progress in all aspects of the subject.
  

• Pupils will also sit a formal examination in Reading and Writing at the end of each academic year.

Targets

• To develop skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening.
  

• To improve significantly upon KS2 levels in the above three areas.
  

• To encourage a love of English and of reading for pleasure.
  

• To develop confidence through progress in oral skills.
  

• To complete all homework set, participate fully in lessons and participate in extra curricular activities.