English

The English Faculty at Ridgeway Academy deliver an engaging, varied and challenging curriculum that is designed to inspire and support students to reach their full potential and become confident in expressing their ideas. We aim to foster a love of reading and literature and provide opportunities for students to develop skills in media and film throughout their time at Ridgeway Academy.

Each year we aim to broaden and enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the world through the study of a wide range of literature, including prose, drama, poetry and non-fiction texts. Our curriculum allows students to build on their previous year’s learning and ensures that all students are challenged and motivated. Our curriculum study at Key Stage Three and Four offers opportunities for students to experience other GCSE and A Level qualifications offered at Ridgeway including GCSE media studies, A Level English Literature and A Level Film Studies.

Welcome to the English Faculty – Subject Leader: Mrs C Carter

Key Stage 3

The Key Stage 3 curriculum allows for students to develop a love of learning, reading and exploring texts whilst developing the skills necessary for successful study at GCSE and beyond. Students complete a variety of reading, writing, spelling and speaking and listening tasks.

In Year 7, students develop and enhance skills learned at Key Stage 2 through the study of short stories, the novel War Horse, poetry and Shakespeare.

In Year 8, students will build on their previous knowledge through the study of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Gothic literature and poetry.

In Year 9, students continue to study a wide range of texts with some focus on the skills required at GCSE. Towards the end of Year 9 students are introduced to GCSE curriculum texts and skills which are taught through a wide range of learning activities, ensuring they are accessible and stimulating.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA specification, which is introduced in the latter part of Year 9 but taught throughout Year 10 and 11. All students have the opportunity to study both English Literature and English Language at GCSE.

Students will study a number of set texts at GCSE including An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and an anthology comprising of 15 poems linked by the central theme of Power and Conflict.

Ridgeway Readers

At Ridgeway we recognise the importance of reading and vocabulary acquisition as essential in enhancing students understanding of the curriculum in all subjects. We also hope to broaden students reading horizons by exposing them to a wide range of engaging and interesting texts.

It is an expectation that students have their reading book with them at all times as we often encourage reading during form time and within library lessons. At Key Stage Three students have a bi-weekly library lesson where they are encouraged to read a variety of texts.

In addition, all students in Key Stage 3 complete reading tests termly and are awarded merits or house points for their achievements. Their reading achievements are celebrated throughout the year and recognised across the school.

How can I support my child in English at Ridgeway?

You can help your child by encouraging them to read at home for 20 minutes per day. You may wish to schedule a time and check your child is completing this.
Discuss with your child what they have read and share with your child what you are reading or have read each week.
Check that your child is managing to finish their reading book and has changed it every 2-3 weeks. Students have an hour in the library every two weeks and read on Friday mornings in tutor time and should be reading at home too, so this should be achievable.
Students will be set home based learning on Show My Homework. Parents and carers should use this to talk with their child about the homework set and check that it is being completed to a suitable standard.
English Literature and English Language study is based on the understanding of ideas, themes and emotions that are visible in the world around us – to succeed students need to form opinions and understand how to navigate the world they are living in. You can help your child develop these skills by discussing topics in the news with your child and helping them to shape their opinions verbally.
Set aside a time each week to practice weekly spellings with your child prior to their test in school.

How will my child be supported in English at Ridgeway?

We have a variety of support opportunities which include TA support in class, close monitoring of reading ages through the use of Accelerated Reader and Year 7 catch up classes.

Staff are committed to offering regular feedback and next steps, to ensure pupils make progress in their studies, and encourage reflective practice by setting regular REACT tasks for students to improve their work.

Ridgeway Academy | Everybody can Achieve

Herns Lane, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 2AF

Telephone: 01707 351350
Absence Line: 01707 351350 Extn: 315
Email: admin@ridgeway.herts.sch.uk

Alban Academies Trust

Ridgeway Academy is part of the
Alban Academies Trust