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A Warm Welcome to Huxlow

At Huxlow we believe that students who are happy, feel safe and are taught well will enjoy school and as a result be successful.

We are passionate about caring for our students, ensuring that they are all known as individuals. Ofsted June 2016 stated that “everyone in the school puts pupil’s well-being at the centre of everything they do”.

Students are challenged to be as good as they possibly can be and supported to achieve this. Academic success is hugely important to us and we have a rich history of students of all abilities and from a wide variety of backgrounds achieving as well as they could.

However, schools are about far more than academic success and we believe that developing “The Whole Child” is one of our core responsibilities. In order to enjoy a successful adult life it is important that our students develop characteristics such as leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative, and communication.

I am hugely proud of our school and am happy to extend an invitation to all Parents/ Carers to come and visit us during the school day. Please contact us on enquiries@huxlow.northants.sch.uk and we will arrange a convenient time.

Mr S Gordon
Headteacher

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 Accelerated Reader and 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
  • More Able Club
  • Visiting authors and poets
  • Book club
  • Film club
  • Creative writing group
  • Reading Initiatives

DEPARTMENT STAFF

Mrs H Barker – Learning Leader of English

Mrs V Peverell – Assistant Learning Leader of English

Mrs L Johnson – Cross-curricular Literacy Lead, Teacher of English

Miss L Staley – Teacher of English

Miss C Killeen – Teacher of English

Mrs K Letts – Teacher of English and Drama, Head of Key Stage 4

Miss G Roberts – Teacher of English and PE, Pastoral Leader for Year 10

FURTHER INFORMATION

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