The National KS2 and KS3 Literacy strategies are used as a basis for lessons.

 

The schemes at both key stages revolve around novels, poetry and plays, and we introduce children to many modern and classic authors – Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, Gillian Cross, Philippa Pearce, Michael Morpurgo, Nina Bawden, J K Rowling and many more.   In addition a wide range of non-literary genres are analysed and written by pupils.   Basic skills teaching of spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, comprehension etc. is drawn from these texts.

 

We set from year 5.  In KS2 (years 5 and 6) there are five English groups in each year.  This enables us to have smaller groups and give individual attention, particularly to the children who find English difficult.   In KS3 (years 7 and 8) there are four English groups in each year.

 

In Key Stage Two (2007) 91% of our pupils reached the target level 4 or above in the English national tests.

 

Our extensive library has over 7,000 volumes, and also offers CD ROM facilities for further research.   We are fortunate to have the services of a librarian for three days each week.   We issue all pupils with a recommended reading list, which we hope will encourage your child to widen his/her reading.