English

‘The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go’ (Dr Seuss)

INTENT

English is vital for communicating with others both in school and the wider world; specifically, it is fundamental to learning in all subjects. At St. Edward’s, the English curriculum supports the needs and character of our inclusive Academy by developing pupils’ ability to see the world from other people’s perspectives and therefore appreciate a world beyond their own – which is not only a key English skill, but a life skill.

Our choices ensure that pupils are encouraged to speak confidently and effectively through participating in discussions, presentations, performances, role play, improvisation and debates throughout the academic year. Pupils are expected to express their own ideas, and articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions.

We aim to encourage our pupils to develop an appreciation and love for reading. Through our curriculum, we encourage pupils to engage with increasingly challenging material independently through reading a wide range of fiction and non-fiction. These texts encompass not only those that celebrate their national identity, but also the diverse voices from across the globe. By reading critically, pupils also demonstrate their ability to make comparisons across texts and analyse the writer’s use of language.

We develop our pupils’ ability to write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information through writing for a wide range of purposes and audiences, using narrative and non-fiction texts. Pupils increasingly apply their growing knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and text structure to their writing and select the appropriate form for the audience and purpose.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The pupils in Key Stage 2 follow the new National Curriculum incorporating reading, writing, and grammar, punctuation and spelling activities.

Pupils in Year 5 consolidate and extend the knowledge and skills gained in Year 3 and Year 4 through a range of different themed units (see English Learning Journeys).

Assessment takes place throughout the year for Reading, Writing, Spelling and Grammar together with Spoken Language.

Pupils are set home learning each week, which could be a written piece, research task or learning activity. In addition to this, daily reading is expected alongside the learning of weekly spellings.

At Key Stage 3, we follow the new National Curriculum. Pupils are expected to develop their reading and writing skills further.  Pupils embrace literature from different times, places and cultures, whilst writing for different audiences and purposes.  Assessment takes place throughout the year for Reading, Writing, Spelling and Grammar together with Spoken Language.

Learning Journeys

CULTURAL CAPITAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Through English lessons, pupils are encouraged to consider how the knowledge and skills they are developing are relevant to the wider world of work and future career pathways.

A wide range of extracurricular activities are used to promote English in the Academy, including the following:

  • Pupils in Year 5 visit the New Vic theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme
  • Year 8 pupils visit the Imperial War Museum North and BBC Media City
  • Employer engagement to support careers provision at KS3, e.g. PCSOs in Y7 and British Army in Y8, using lesson plans produced by local employers, e.g. Stoke City
  • Reading Club
  • Journalism Club
  • Pupils are involved in the Youth Speaks (National Public Speaking) Competition each year
  • World Book Day activities and competitions
  • Accelerated Reader

English also supports whole school initiatives, such as International Women’s Day, together with our work towards the Rights Respecting Schools Award and the Stonewall Award.

Join us for our
next open event

Find out more here