English
At Woolston Brook we support the pupils to achieve their potential in English
The English department engage learners with a diverse curriculum that suits the needs and the interests of the pupils.
We aim to capture their imagination and prove that English is not a subject to be ‘feared’ but enjoyed.
We study a variety of books, plays and non-fiction texts to develop and instil a love of reading. Children are encouraged to use their imagination, expand their vocabulary and access the same opportunities that are offered in a main stream environment.
In English we encourage self-expression, to listen to others and support each other to achieve their best.
We learn through a variety of methods including kinaesthetic tasks, debates, media, creative writing, drama, media, functional English and ICT. Alongside this we aim to support each child’s individual needs; developing social skills through social stories, addressing issues in the media and using various interventions to fill those gaps lost in their prior learning.
Every child is taught in a small group amongst their peers who have a similar level of English.
Pupils all work towards different outcomes depending on their ability and personal needs. They have the opportunity to achieve; Functional Skills, GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language at Woolston Brook with support from our English specialists.
English Department Statement of Intent
The English Department at Woolston Brook is designed to instil a love of reading, engage learners with a diverse and differentiated curriculum, support them with achievable outcomes and prepare pupils for their post 16 transition.
Woolston Brook follows the National Curriculum guidelines alongside schemes of work that capture their imagination and help develop an enjoyment of the subject from Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 4. Lessons are designed to support them with their social and personal development by including drama, activities, group work and kinaesthetic tasks.
Pupils often start at Woolston brook with a negative impression of English. Some pupils are unable to read or write. Often pupils have missed large chunks of their education. As an English team we strive to be creative in our teaching practices and build a trusting relationship between pupil and staff member. Additionally, writing and reading are a whole school approach so that they do not become the negative factor in a subject; on the contrary they are celebrated i.e. through competitions and achievements.
Classes are small and paced to suit the children’s’ developmental needs. Staff work and adapt schemes of work, created to inspire and enthuse the learner. English at Woolston Brook is completely inclusive. Often schemes of work are developed to also support them with a statemented need e.g. social skill; or with cultural interest to engage them e.g. stories that are about children with a travelling background.
There are clear links throughout the English departmental plan that prepare them for their individualised outcomes. For example, if a pupil is working towards Functional skills, the key components for this exam are interwoven throughout their scheme of work. We aim for all learners at Woolston Brook to achieve a qualification in English.
How the four pillars are planned for in English;
Life skills Resilience, Self-Improvement and Growth Mindset;
⦁ Mini Assessments
⦁ Renaissance
⦁ Revisiting and improving work
⦁ Targets and Spellings
⦁ Do now for literacy based tasks
Relationships Peer & Adult Relationship, Collaboration
⦁ Group Work
⦁ Presentations
⦁ Peer Assessment
⦁ Group activities e.g. Grammar Bingo
⦁ Drama based skills
⦁
Independence: Self-reliance, setting own targets, applying own strategies
⦁ Planning
⦁ Assessments
⦁ Self-Assessment
⦁ Independent Projects
⦁ Self-Reflection
⦁ Social Stories
⦁ Group and Paired Work
⦁ Media / Factual based discussion
Communication: Creativity and views
⦁ Creative Writing
⦁ Story Boards / Comic Strips / Mind Maps
⦁ Creative Texts
⦁ Presentations on chosen topics
⦁ Drama
