English

Quality of Education

The English curriculum develops the students’ communication, functional, and independence skills. It also serves to ignite their desire to become curious learners.

Schemes of learning explore a spectrum of topics and themes, rooted in a rich range of texts, including classic literature, modern fiction, non-fiction texts and poetry. The students’ exposure to this rich range of texts generates a wealth of discussions and debates, as they share opinions through acknowledging their viewpoints, in knowing themselves. Furthermore, it also fosters a love of reading; embeds understanding by use of blank level and/or higher order questioning; and by means of dramatic performance.

Notably, the breadth of the English curriculum generates ‘excellence for all’, for students also learn to recognise and write for a wide range of audiences and purposes, including making applications for jobs, in preparation for adulthood.

Explore Pathway: Students study English 4 times per week, covering a broad and balanced curriculum. The English curriculum, for the Explore pathway, explores abridged versions of classic and modern texts developed to match the students’ interests and levels of ability. Students also read and then develop a range of functional texts, such as recipes, leaflets and sets of instructions, linked to everyday activities, in preparation for adulthood. 

Progress moves sequentially through progression levels, with some pupils moving onto milestones. Students develop communication skills through their participation in signed call and response stories and poetry recitals. They work towards Pre-Entry Level AQA Unit Awards, and some pupils who move up to milestones may progress through to Entry Level 1 or 2 as they advance to the KS4 programmes of study.

SMSC: Within the English lessons, and during form time Reading and Communication for Pleasure sessions, students read a wide range of poetry and prose, selected to consider, and develop their moral compass, well-being, an understanding of the Elms Bank and British values and spirituality. Examples of such are the classic novels The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, Lord of the Flies, and Great Expectations. In addition to modern texts of The Boy at the Back of the Class, Wonder, Al Capone Does my Shirts, and Trash. In addition, poetry from around the world is analysed to consider key SMSC themes and topical issues.

The study of such texts gives our students a wealth of opportunities to think about the consequences of their own actions and consider how they can apply the lessons learnt in their own lives. They also serve as tools for reflection of their own beliefs and the beliefs of others.

Students develop an understanding of the impact of language studied, which leads to a greater awareness of how to use examples of effective, expressive and creative language in their own writing too.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities: English is central to everyday life. Therefore, at Elms Bank, we provide students with a plethora of opportunities to apply their developing skills of the subject in everyday contexts. Examples of such include trips to Unsworth and Bury libraries, where students apply their reading skills; visits to the theatre and local museums, conclude with the development of information leaflets, articles and reviews. Outings to local cafes enable students develop their confidence in the community as they select and order food and drink from the menu. Trips to local parks and further outdoor environments, such as Heaton Park and Cronkshaw Farm support the development of creative and descriptive writing.

Finally, World Book Day is marked each year with a visit from an author and/or poet, whereby students participate in a range of workshops to experiment with language and immerse themselves in sensory activities linked to chosen texts.