1. Our success stems from preparing students from the beginning
Our vision and values:
Team English are passionate and committed to creating independent, thoughtful and imaginative learners who are confident in all aspects of literacy. Our aim is to ensure that all students leave school fully prepared for their futures. We have a culture of positivity where hard work is recognised and celebrated. Together, both learners and teachers are PROUD to make success happen in English.

2. Life-long reading and reading logs – 60 minutes of home reading a week
Transition from KS2 to KS3 - Continuing the good practice
Life-long reading and reading logs – 60 minutes of home reading a week
Building on grammar and literacy
High quality texts – poetry, fiction and non-fiction
Project based learning and homework projects

3. A look at what our year 7s will be studying this year
Autumn Term: Arctic Explorer Reading and Writing Project – GCSE Language style assessment
Spring Term: The Tempest, Shakespeare – GCSE Literature Style Assessment
Summer Term: Conflict in Literature – War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, World War I Poetry – GCSE Language style assessment

4. Reading and writing baseline assessments at the start of academic year
Assessment and target setting
Reading and writing baseline assessments at the start of academic year
Four mini assessments throughout the term
Reading and writing final assessment at the end of every term
Dedicated reading and grammar lessons once a week (Accelerated reader programme and Grammar Time!)
Continuous target setting and reviewing
Targeted Intervention to support students’ weaknesses in literacy

5. Reading Skills Writing Skills
Assessment skills – Reading and Writing
Reading and writing skills are assessed every term. The development of these skills will prepare students for their English Language and Literature GCSE.
Students will have their own success criteria for each skill based on whether they are Diamond, Bronze, Silver or Platinum.
Reading Skills Writing Skills
1 - Understand
2 – Interpret and evaluate
3 - Compare
4 – Language
5 - Structure
6 – Context
1 Sentences
2 Punctuation
3 Spelling
4 Structure
5 Vocabulary
6 Language devices

6. BBC School Reporter Day Author visits and book signings
We have a culture of positivity where hard work is recognised and celebrated.
KS3 Debate club
BBC School Reporter Day
Author visits and book signings
Arctic Explorer Treasure Hunt
War Horse cinema night
Royal Shakespeare Company workshops

7. Reading with your child and checking their understanding
What can you do to help?
Reading with your child and checking their understanding
BBC Bitesize and KS3 workbooks
Encourage use of dictionaries/thesauri
Use the school website– library and literacy pages: UHS.org
Help with the homework projects
Contacting the English department: and

8. A look at the timetable…
En = English lessons
7 lessons a fortnight
1 library lesson a fortnight