- English Long term plan 23/24
- English Long term plan 24/25
- English Knowledge Based Curriculum Map 23/24
- English Knowledge Based Curriculum Map 24/25
English at Clifford Holroyde
Students at Clifford Holroyde in Key stage three and four follow the National Curriculum and the AQA syllabus for English Language including Functional Skills and GCSE. All English lessons are planned to be cross-curricular and specifically include links to PSHE and Careers. Having a high-quality literacy focus and promoting key vocabulary are at the forefront of all planning.
At Clifford Holroyde we aim to use reading to expands minds, knowledge and create opportunities. The English language is an ever-evolving piece of art that can open doors.
Our intentions:
- Our aim is to ensure that all learners have experienced a wide range of high-quality reading material
- To promote reading, writing and high-quality literature
- To derive an English curriculum which is sequenced to develop the acquisition of knowledge and skills.
At Clifford the aim is to enrich students through a range of fiction and non-fiction texts which inspire learners and enable them to learn about the world around us. We aim to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world through personalised learning.
Fiction unlocks student creativity and the students are introduced to worlds and characters that are new and intriguing. Sometimes they read about scenarios that they can identify and resonate with.
Non-fiction opens their minds to current affairs and helps discuss any issues that concern them. Learners are able to question and debate their ideas on topics.
They will develop a rich vocabulary which will deepen their understanding of the power of speech and language making them better equipped to verbally articulate their ideas.
Literature helps students learn about historical events and life for those from different eras, societies and religions. In-turn, students are able to understand the impact that history has had on the society today and help broaden their understanding of the world today and how things have developed over time.
The skills they learn in English will help develop their reading and writing skills, but more importantly, make them better communicators and equipped to succeed in the wider community.
‘Faster Read Approach.’ pilot scheme at Clifford Holroyde.
Faster Reading: Based on a study by Sussex University and more recently Huntington Research School and School Improvement Liverpool which showed reading texts without stopping and starting for writing tasks boosted comprehension and enjoyment. Reading age data was boosted, particularly in lower performing learners. Use quality questions ( summary, prediction, why do you think? etc) and an ‘It could be you’ strategy at appropriate points to ensure comprehension and enjoyment of text. Secure new vocabulary and draw learner attention to the choices the writer makes for different effects.
The Sussex study found that when using the Faster Read approach, on average students made 8.5 months of progress during their 12 week term, but most surprisingly, disadvantaged readers made 16 months progress.
We hope this pilot scheme will help our boys.
What we have been studying – Spring 2025
Class 1: Class 1 have been trying to improve their reading ages by undertaking the reading development course. This introduces the students to new vocabulary and encourages them to use this in their everyday written and verbal communication.
Class 2: Class 2 have been studying the technical aspects of English including the use of commas and how to structure and improve their sentences.
Class 3: Class 3 have been studying the Shakespeare classic, Macbeth. The students have found it both challenging and enjoyable. They are now keen to explore further Shakespeare plays.
Class 4: Class 4 have been studying a mixture of basic English spelling and grammar units of work, along with some phonics work. They are now looking forward to studying and learning about animal rights in the following weeks.
Class 5: Class 5 have been undertaking the English language unit of work which has been looking at paper 1 of the exam. During lessons we have been breaking down the paper and looking at each question in detail. We will be looking at paper 2 in the following weeks.
Class 6: Class 6 have been studying the ‘tick-tick writing’ unit of work which aims to get the students to critically think about non-fiction writing. They have been attempting to write their own non-fiction work including newspaper articles and letters.
What we have been studying – Autumn 2024
Class 1 have really enjoyed studying ‘Cirque du Freak’ this term and have been fully engaged in the novel. They are keen to read more and we will be studying ‘The Bread Winner’ in the coming term.
Class 2 have enjoyed studying ‘Holes’ this term and have enjoyed the humour in the book. They are keen to explore other genres and next term we will be studying the book ‘Face’.
Class 3 have enjoyed studying ‘Holes’ this term and have enjoyed the humour in the book. They are keen to explore other genres and next term we will be studying the book ‘Face’.
Class 4 have studied ‘Darkside’ this term and enjoyed the mysterious element to the book. Next term we will be working on improving our story writing and how to implement some language techniques within our writing.
Class 5 have worked really hard this term in exploring language techniques used in creative reading and writing. They have also studied writer’s viewpoints and perspectives and will undertake the English Language GCSE exam next month.
Class 6 have shown a mature attitude in preparing and revising for their English Language GCSE exams. Paper 1 will commence on the 5th June, while Paper 2 is on the 12th June. A big well done to them for all their hard work.
We have had some students passing either one or both papers of their English Functional Skills Level 1 exams including;
T Bao
C Baker
L Eaton
C Carey
Well done boys!
