To ensure consistency and progression, The English Department use quality and standardised schemes of work which are regularly updated, revised and checked against the National Curriculum. All staff follow the schemes to ensure consistency and that all offer high quality and standardised English lessons. Staff are encouraged to further differentiate or enhance lessons and are constantly striving for the best for our pupils.

Staff model full and accurate sentences and craft questions carefully to draw out the best from pupils. All pupils are taught to use the vocabulary and grammar of spoken, Standard English, to formulate, clarify and express ideas. They are encouraged to adapt their speech to a widening range of circumstances, to listen to one another encouragingly and to participate in group discussions. They are given the opportunity to debate and develop arguments on a variety of issues and topics.

Teaching and learning within The English Department is designed to be as active and practical as possible, direct instruction is given to pupils in groups at times but mostly work is differentiated to cater for individual needs and differing abilities. Often pupils function more successfully in smaller groups under the guidance of a Teaching Assistant or on a one to one basis. Pupils are supported in their ability to complete whole tasks attentively and activities are spilt into short manageable chunks.

Impact

At Alt Bridge we are committed to support our pupils to be successful, independent and valued members of their community. In answer to the question, ‘What do we want for our young people?’ – An enormous amount! Which is why we are constantly reviewing our curriculum to combat SLCN, 30-million-word gap and reading strategies. We work closely with our SPLD Department to ensure that the pupils in need of additional support receive it. We are working to embed vocabulary starters at least twice a week and communication starters to prioritise language. This was initiated following key staff undertaking oracy training and reviewing research which highlights that these activities support pupils greater than solely literacy.

We want our pupils to be valued members of the community which is why we take part in events such as the Choral Poetry Festival and teach them that their contributions are valued. We want our pupils to be able to go onto obtain meaningful employment so we support them with real life skills (reading, writing and communication). Effective communication skills are the key to everything. They open doors, help individuals to express point of view or just ask for help. We also support our pupils to be confident communicators and to use their skills to communicate their wants and needs.

In is vitally important that our pupils are challenged at all levels, as well as bespoke and differentiated schemes and resources, our pupils also benefit from quality, independent, interactive resources (Lexia and Accelerated Reader).

Year 7 pupils access Lexia weekly, which is a highly recognised reading programme. The pupils are also encouraged to utilise Lexia at home to further support their confidence with working independently and reading.