English 2022-2023

Head of Department: Miss E. Shatford
Email address: eshatford@gilbertinglefield.com

The English curriculum has been designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to develop the key skills needed to succeed in both reading and writing. Students are immersed into drama, discussion, exploration, and analysis all whilst meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum. Exposure to a range of texts, genres, and opinions are a core part of learning across all of our Year Groups.

In all years, students are taught in predominantly mixed ability groups with additional groups for students identified as having Higher Learning Potential as well as those who benefit from a smaller nurture group. Where students have gaps in their learning, intervention groups and sessions will be offered – inside and outside of lesson. It is our priority to ensure any gaps in learning are filled.

In Key Stage 2, children explore a range of themes, eras and cross-curricular links to support their English learning. In Year 5, we consider the Victorian era and Ancient Greeks, as well as more contemporary social issues explored through image and novels. Year 6 complete a local study (which correlates with their Humanities learning), inferences through image and the study of fictional writing. Embedded within the curriculum is the practice of spelling, punctuation and grammar. These skills are identified, practiced, and used fluently during lessons.

Similarly, theme-based learning is at the heart of our Key Stage 3 curriculum. With interleaved learning, children are encouraged to make links between prior learning (subject and cross-curricular) to broaden their horizons of inference, critical thinking and vocabulary. Students use a range of media to achieve this including Shakespeare’s plays, poetry and non-fiction writing. Working closely with our upper Schools ensures students leave with the skills required to thrive in their new setting.

Across our whole curriculum, students are encouraged to learn with a growth mindset and a reflective practice.

Reading is at the heart of our department ethos. On rotation, children engage with an additional library curriculum where a love and passion for reading are developed alongside navigating the essential skills for lessons. Children are supported through VIPERS learning to ensure breadth of knowledge and understanding are achieved in our range of exciting texts. Lunch time provisions are also provided for students to choose a reading book of their choice – reading for pleasure plays an important role in the development of English skills.

Furthermore, an afternoon reading curriculum is provided for all students to develop comprehension, inference, and critical thinking skills. A wide range of texts, subjects, and medias are used to achieve this.

Cultural capital is a priority this year. We want children to be welcomed onto a range of experiences including trips, workshops and clubs. Extending this, leadership roles within the subject are actively encouraged to further enhance the love for learning within English.