English
Fluency in English is an essential foundation for success in all subjects. English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; for pupils, understanding the language provides access to the whole curriculum. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All Key Stage 3 pupils read an engaging fiction text for 15 minutes at the end of every English lesson and ‘Reading for Pleasure’ trackers are kept for pupils in years 10 and 11 that both monitor independent reading and allow for book swaps and recommended reading enrichment activities.
All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.
The All Saints English department has devised and delivers a curriculum that adheres to the National Curriculum, meets the needs of our pupils and the wider community and is both inclusive and purposeful. The challenge, differentiation and rigorous monitoring of impact ensures that every child is able to excel, regardless of background and starting points.
