English

KEY STAGE 3

At Key Stage 3, students will build on the skills they have developed in Key Stage 2 and prepare for the GCSE courses. We aim to promote a love of reading through the use of various literacy enrichment activities. Young people also have the chance to work on a wide range of texts in class and use them as stimulus for their own writing. Throughout the Key Stage there will also be many opportunities to work in groups on independent projects and with outside agencies to develop an understanding of how their skills may come into practice in different contexts.

English Curriculum Year 7 English Curriculum Year 8

Our Goal: “At Huxlow every individual is empowered to fulfil their potential”

To fulfil your potential at Key Stage 3 you should:

Complete all homework to the highest possible standard. Students will have one or two homeworks per week, depending on the length and depth of the tasks.
All students are expected to read regularly to improve their skills.
Where a topic is new or challenging, it is expected that independent research will be undertaken to ensure a secure understanding.

KEY STAGE 4

At Key Stage 4, all students will be working towards gaining GCSEs in English Language and English Literature. Securing good grades in these subjects will give access to a range of further opportunities post-16. Students will work with authors and theatre companies to develop their understanding of literary texts and will be offered opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities to extend learning.

English Curriculum Year 9 English Curriculum Year 10 English Curriculum Year 11

Our values #2: “Everyone is ambitious and welcomes the challenge of being the best they can”

To be the best you can be at Key Stage 4 you should:

Complete all homework to the highest possible standard. Students will have one or two homeworks per week, depending on the length and depth of the tasks.
All students are expected to read regularly to improve their skills.
Where a topic is new or challenging, it is expected that independent research will be undertaken to ensure a secure understanding.
Create a revision plan early to revisit topics that are studied early in the course. This will develop long term learning and understanding of different parts of the course.
Use a range of external sources to enhance understanding. There are websites listed in the curriculum pages.

ASSESSMENT

At Key Stage 3:

Students will be assessed regularly to test skills.
Students are assessed throughout the year using Assessment books. All students complete an end of year exam in Term 6.

At Key Stage 4:

Assessment at regular intervals will ensure understanding of different parts of the papers.
Mock exams throughout the course will highlight areas of strength and areas to develop.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH AN ENGLISH QUALIFICATION?

All students will be expected to gain at least a Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature to gain access to further study, in most cases the minimum expectation will be Grade 5. Skills gained in GCSE English will be important in subjects and careers which require skills such as: research, using evidence, creating arguments, persuading, giving presentations, cross-referencing, extended writing and providing contexts.

KEY STAGE 5

Huxlow Science College, The Ferrers School and Rushden Academy work together to create a unique post-16 learning community, The East Northamptonshire College (TENC). For details of the full range of courses and opportunities available, please visit www.tenconline.co.uk

ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Theatre Trips
Visiting authors and poets
Film club
Debating club
Reading Initiatives

DEPARTMENT STAFF

Mrs H Barker – Learning Leader of English
Mrs V Peverell – Assistant Learning Leader of English
Miss L Dudley – Cross-curricular Literacy Lead, Teacher of English
Miss L Staley – Teacher of English
Miss K Shiner – Teacher of English
Miss C Wildman - Teacher of English
Mrs K Letts – Teacher of English and Drama, Head of Key Stage 4
Miss R Moss - Literacy HLTA

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to find out more about the English curriculum, please contact Mrs H Barker, Learning Leader for English

By phone: 01933 650496
By email: h.barker@huxlow.northants.sch.uk

A Warm Welcome to Huxlow