English Curriculum Intent Statement

We all think and communicate using the English language, and in many respects language controls our engagement with the world.

English at Clyst Vale focusses on creating enthusiastic and flexible communicators who can create and understand messages and their multiple layers of effect. We will read and write for pleasure, to engage with the modern world and in order to connect with writers’ experiences from the past.  By mastering English our learners can share and shape the world around them.

Our KS3 curriculum focuses on the mastery of clearly specified objectives which are pursued until they are achieved through continued practice and consolidation.  Key concepts are explored in depth to allow our learners the time and focus to truly grasp skills and employ them independently. KS3 also uses a spiral curriculum model as students will revisit the same concepts throughout the key stage, with each encounter increasing in complexity and reinforcing previous learning.  Those who do not reach the required levels will be provided with additional tuition, peer support, small group discussions, or homework to enable their progression.

The overarching KS3 concepts for English at CVCC are:

• Comprehension – reading a range of fiction and non-fiction texts accurately.
• Understanding a range of reasons why people write – be able to draw connections between a writer’s purpose, personal experience and their message.
• Understanding how a writer makes a series of crafting choices when they write and be able to use crafting choices within a learner’s own writing.
• Understanding the effects of language – be able to explore how writers manipulate the effects and subtle messages created through their choice of words and use of literary techniques.
• Clear and confident communication – write and talk accurately using a range of vocabulary, punctuation and structures to create desired effects. Understanding how purpose, audience and form impact on communication choices.
• Exploring the world – through reading and writing about a wide range of texts to develop an appreciation for the people, places and experiences of our world. Enhancing cultural capital.

Our KS4 curriculum builds on the conceptual understanding fostered in KS3 and once again revisits learning skills over the 20 months of study.  Students will be encouraged to see the cross-over of skills between GCSE literature and language and understand that assessment objectives are examined recursively across the two courses.

Proficiency in English is a key factor in our learners’ ability to successfully control their lives when they leave us.  It is our duty to ensure that they understand how vital it is to their future economic and social wellbeing.