English

The teaching staff members have a well-developed team ethic, commitment and shared passion for their subject and developing pedagogy. They are totally committed to developing the English successes of all students at Academy@Worden, and are fully supported by their enthusiastic line-manager who oversees, and is responsible for, the Humanities and English Faculty. The overall mission of the English Department is to promote college and career “readiness’’ through literacy, which specifically promotes the ability to read, write, and think critically.

The English department is situated in ‘M’ Block and its suite of rooms consists of three classrooms and a store room. Each classroom is pupil-friendly, displaying an excellent range of resources, to include colourful and meaningful displays of children’s work across both key stages.

The Windowsill library scheme is essentially a compact library in each classroom, which offers pupils the chance to carry out reading for pleasure, particularly at lunchtimes and after school when an ‘open-door’ policy allows pupils to read, reflect and change books through an informal loan system. The English Department is also very much involved with the Accelerated Read Programme where youngsters are given the opportunity to improve their ‘reading for meaning’ skills, and acquire a very positive approach to reading through a committed programme of ‘reading for pleasure’ alongside exciting and challenging testing, with rewards. Pupils in year seven and eight are issued with Reading Log Diaries and they expertly keep a log of their reading experiences which promotes pride and self-confidence to develop advanced reading skills.

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage Three curriculum is productively devised so that it builds on specific language skills from year to year. The priority in Key Stage Three is to furnish the pupils with the reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills which are necessary at GCSE. The pupils will study a range of novels, to include: pre-20th Century and 20th Century, poetry, plays and a number of writing opportunities for different audiences. Pupils will also study Shakespeare and develop a sense of literary awareness, both of which encourage an overall appreciation for the love of reading outside of school.

The department encourages students to develop their interest and enjoyment in the use and study of English by building on students' own knowledge and experience of language. Students are given opportunities to deepen their understanding and exposure to the use of English by:

• Developing productive skills, textual analysis skills and knowledge about language
• Acquiring skills of analysis and an understanding of how meaning is constructed
• Studying how language can be placed within a wider historical and cultural context
• Studying a range of spoken and written texts
• Recognising the power of language and developing their expression in a range of forms
• Analysing the relationship between text and audience

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage Four, pupils study for two qualifications in both English and English Literature. From 2015, pupils will follow the Government’s guidelines and sit examinations at the end of the two year cycle, rather than perform Controlled Assessments. Speaking and Listening remains an important feature of Key Stage Four study; pupils enjoy the different challenges that these studies bring to their learning. There is always the opportunity to take lessons outside of curriculum time; the department prioritises students’ learning in English by creating lessons outside of the school day so that pupils can learn and reflect in another dimension of study.

The English department is keen to maintain its enthusiastic approach to learning and teaching; this approach is carried out in a variety of ways. Links with Edge Hill University allow pupils access to other vibrant and energetic teaching deliveries; these, in turn, inspire the pupils to work with renewed enthusiasm and effort. Rewards and recognition of excellent work is a priority. Pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work, maintaining positive relationships with their peers and their English teacher. Carousel deliveries and visiting specialists also give great confidence to the pupils’ learning. The Gifted and Talented programme includes an excellent number of opportunities with other providers, to include:

Parent/Guardian Information:

Parents are extremely valued as supporters of their children’s progress, and the English department is always very keen to communicate with home on a number of levels. Pupils who are progressing well will receive prizes, certificates, rewards in assembly and texts home. Parents are invited to talk about the best way forward for their child given the individual needs in English that they may well have. Parents are always encouraged to attend outside of school English activities; they are cordially invited to English competitions that take place in the local community and further afield.

Parents support the English department in many of its initiatives:

• Parents are invited to support speaking and listening presentations.
• Parents are invited to support their child at home especially when they are asked to acknowledge their child’s reading practices outside of curriculum time.
• Parents are invited to whole-school presentation evenings where they can celebrate the success of their child in English.
• Parents are always informed of benefits available to their child in English, whether these are extra revision sessions or initiatives which will be hugely beneficial across both key stages.

Useful Links

Read the Exam Specification