Welcome to the English Section of the Woolston Brook School Website
At Woolston Brook, we are dedicated to supporting our pupils in achieving their full potential in English. Our English department engages learners with a diverse curriculum that meets their needs and interests, fostering a belief that English is not a subject to be feared, but rather one to be enjoyed and celebrated. We explore an array of books, plays, and non-fiction texts aimed at developing and instilling a love of reading. Our pupils are encouraged to use their imagination, expand their vocabulary, and access the same opportunities available to them in mainstream education. In our English lessons, we promote self-expression, active listening, and collaboration, creating an environment where students support one another to achieve their best.
Our teaching methods are varied and dynamic, encompassing kinaesthetic tasks, debates, creative writing, drama, media studies, functional English, and ICT. We tailor our approach to address each child’s individual needs, developing essential social skills through social stories and actively addressing issues presented in the media. Various interventions are also utilised to fill any gaps in prior learning, ensuring that all pupils receive the support they require. At Woolston Brook, every child is taught in small groups with peers who share a similar level of English proficiency. This setting allows for personalised learning, where each pupil works towards outcomes that reflect their ability and personal needs. We provide the opportunity to achieve qualifications in Functional Skills, GCSE English Literature, and GCSE English Language, all supported by our team of English specialists.
The English Department’s statement of intent is designed to instil a love of reading, engage learners through a differentiated curriculum, facilitate achievable outcomes, and prepare pupils for their transition post-16. Adhering to National Curriculum guidelines, our lessons are crafted to ignite interest in the subject from Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 4. We incorporate drama, group work, and hands-on activities to support social and personal development.
It is not uncommon for pupils to arrive at Woolston Brook with a negative perception of English, and some may be unable to read or write due to gaps in their education. Our English team strives to be innovative in our teaching practices, fostering trusting relationships between pupils and staff. In addition, we adopt a whole-school approach to reading and writing, ensuring they are perceived positively and celebrated through competitions and achievements. Classes are designed to be small and paced to suit the developmental needs of each child. Staff members adapt schemes of work to inspire and engage learners, ensuring that English at Woolston Brook is entirely inclusive. Many of our schemes are tailored to address specific needs, such as social skills development or cultural interests, enabling us to connect with all pupils effectively.
Through our English curriculum, clear links are established within the departmental plan to prepare pupils for their personalised outcomes. For instance, if a pupil is working towards Functional Skills, the key components for this qualification are interwoven throughout their scheme of work. Our overarching goal is for all learners at Woolston Brook to achieve a qualification in English. In terms of our four curriculum pillars, we prioritise planning that fosters life skills—such as resilience, self-improvement, and growth mindset—through mini assessments, target-setting, and collaborative group work. We also emphasise independence by encouraging students to set their own goals and apply their strategies while engaging in self-reflection.
Lastly, we promote communication through creative tasks, presentations, and collaborative projects that help pupils articulate their ideas and express their views. Whether through creative writing, storyboards, or drama activities, we aim to develop their talents and confidence. The English department at Woolston Brook strives to create a vibrant and supportive learning environment, ensuring that every student leaves with a love for English and the skills to navigate their future challenges.
