English KS3
Team
In KS3 our English team consists of 8 teachers plus specialist support staff in each session. The students have 4 hours of English per week. In addition to this there is an allocated session at the beginning of the day for phonics, this focuses on sounds, blending and reading. After lunchtime is allocated for accelerated reading.
Achievement and Progress
On entry studnets are assessed so that planning is supportive of the individual student needs. Student progress is then closely monitored throughout the school year to ensure that targets are met and interventions can be introduced as required.
Curriculum Overview
Currently, our Scheme of Work has been remodelled to comply with the 2014 National Curriculum and has been specially devised for our learners, it is based upon the ‘Read, Write, Inc. Fresh Start Scheme. This is a nationally recognised programme aimed at older students with difficulties in English. All sessions follow a specific pattern encompassing the three strands of reading, writing and speaking and listening. Sessions are carefully planned to support and extend as required with differentiation being a key factor to success. The Scheme of work includes variations for all ranges of ability covering the key areas of study. These include; oral language and comprehension, handwriting, basic letter formation, encoding and sound practice.
This programme of study is based on phonics. Further information about the Fresh Start scheme can be found at www.ruthmiskintraining.com/fresh-start/index.html
We have introduced the Accelerated Reader programme which is designed to encourage independent reading and enjoyment of books. This programme helps to develop a wider range of vocabulary choices and understanding of texts read. Our library is continually updated with new and exciting age appropriate reading books.
Overview of the teaching programme
| Autumn Term | Spring Term | Summer Term |
|---|---|---|
|
Learning sounds and the written version of the sound, including varied spelling patterns Reading a variety of texts featuring the words studied within the programme. Comprehension of the stories read. Sentence structure. Deconstruct and compose sentences in a range of genres Speaking and Listening Activities |
Focus on Accelerated Reader targets Extending spelling rules Increasing vocabulary choices Understanding paragraphs Continuation of Read, Write, Inc. modules to include different genres of writing
|
Continuation of Read/Write/Inc. Phonics Module Study which includes: Report writing, letter writing, poetry, newspaper writing and story continuation. Developing a wider range of punctuation choices Develop skills in inference and deduction Speaking and listening activities |
Although the students follow a curriculum overview this is not prescriptive and the curriculum is delivered depending on the ability of the student.