English
The English Faculty at Ridgeway Academy deliver an engaging, varied and challenging curriculum that is designed to inspire, build on students’ cultural capital and support them to reach their full potential. 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.
The curriculum is designed to broaden and enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of the world through the study of a wide range of literature, including texts in a range of forms, and from a range of genres, authors and eras. We also aim to ensure that, through the study of language and literature, students leave Ridgeway with the confidence to develop and share informed opinions through writing, reading and speaking.
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 qualification 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 confidence in the skills necessary for successful study at GCSE and beyond. Students complete a variety of reading, writing and speaking and listening tasks.
In Year 7, students develop and enhance skills learned at Key Stage 2 through the study of:
- Myths and legends.
- Short stories with a twist
- The novel War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
- An introduction to Shakespeare’s World
- The Tempest by William Shakespeare.
In Year 8, students will build on their previous knowledge through the study of:
- The Art of Rhetoric
- Dickens’ world
- The Gothic Movement
- Frankenstein
- Disturbing characters – Poetry
- Stone Cold by Robert Swindells
In Year 9, students continue to study a wide range of texts with some focus on the skills required at GCSE. Units of study include:
- Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
- Multimedia unit The Power of Voice
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- Poetry study: Words that burn
Towards the end of Year 9 students are introduced to GCSE curriculum texts. Students study their first text, An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley. Students are taught through a wide range of learning activities, ensuring they are accessible and stimulating.
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. Students in Year 7 and Year 8 have a bi-weekly library lesson where they are encouraged to read a variety of texts available within our well-resourced library.
In addition, all students in Key Stage 3 complete reading tests termly. This information is shared with parents on your child’s report. 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 should be reading at home too, so this should be achievable.
- Students will be set home based learning on Google Classroom and through the Educake website. Parents and carers should monitor this and talk with their child about the homework set, as well as checking 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.
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 a collaborative approach to working with the SEND department to ensure appropriate interventions are in place.
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.
