English

Pupils follow a programme of study closely linked to the new National Curriculum centred on a range of whole texts with an emphasis on text-type writing. For pupils who are still developing-readers, more emphasis is placed on literacy skills, phonics and reading practice. Our daily morning reading intervention sessions and use of the graduated reading programmes also enhance the development of literacy.

Curriculum Overview

Topics Topics
Years 4-6 Differentiated programme
Years 7-9 Differentiated programme Autumn Term – first half:

  • Assessment
  • Words! Words! Words! A fun history of the English language
  • Root words, prefixes, suffixes, antonyms, synonyms
  • Individual graduated readers and workbooks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Programmes used include Phonic Books, Fast Forward and Head Start

Autumn Term – second half:

  • War poets and creative Autumn poetry
  • language features, descriptive writing.
  • A Christmas Carol
  • Individual graduated readers and workbooks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Programmes used include Phonic Books, Fast Forward and Head Start

Spring Term – first half:

  • Class fiction books – class topic. Books may include: The Savage, Grandpa’s Great Escape,
  • World Book Day (Whole School activities with events)
  • Individual graduated readers and workbooks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Programmes used include Phonic Books, Fast Forward and Head Start

Spring Term – second half:

  • Shakespeare in context – his life and times
  • A Shakespeare play study: eg: Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth
  • Individual graduated readers and workbooks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Programmes used include Phonic Books, Fast Forward and Head Start

Summer Term – first half:

  • Poetry – topics include Slam Poetry, descriptive and themed poetry
  • Individual graduated readers and workbooks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Programmes used include Phonic Books, Fast Forward and Head Start

Summer Term – second half:

  • Imaginative writing: Summer short story / graphic story competition
  • Individual graduated readers and workbooks for spelling, punctuation and grammar. Programmes used include Phonic Books, Fast Forward and Head Start
10 & 11 The pathway for years 10 and 11: is GCSE English Language

News & Stories

Art GCSE – 28/04/26

Good luck to our five learners taking part in their Art GCSE this week. We wish them every success!

Outward Bound Trip – 2026

Eight upper school learners visited Ullswater in the Lake District for the annual Outward Bound school residential. Conditions in March can be unpredictable but no

Weir Wood Reservoir – 20/03/26

What a glorious sunny week it has been! Our outdoor adventure team has been out on the water this week at Weir Wood Reservoir,

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