About
the English Department
| In
the English Department we believe in placing the
individual child firmly at the heart of our programme,
making sure that through differentiated task-setting
and close monitoring we provide each one with the
appropriate framework within which to develop and
excel. This approach, coupled with our rigorous and
up-to-date curriculum, offers a special, successful
learning experience to children of all abilities.
Quite simply, we aim to enable every child to achieve
the highest levels of National Curriculum requirements
in the disciplines of Reading, Writing (including
Handwriting and Spelling) and Speaking and Listening. |
|
English
in the Lower School (Key Stage 3)
Reading
We
aim not only to equip pupils with the reading skills
necessary for further study and working life after school,
but also to instill in them a love of books and reading.
To facilitate this our literacy programme provides opportunities
for pupils to extend skills, expertise and enjoyment.
In
Years 7 to 9, there is an emphasis upon improving literacy
skills, which is a shared responsibility throughout the
curriculum. Central to our philosophy is the development
of a reading ethos which involves parents, competition
and book events, throughout the year. Our reading club,
led by Miss Lindqvist and Miss Roberts, is already extremely
popular with Year 7 pupils. In addition a Reading Club for Upper School provides the opportunity for older pupils to discuss the latest titles in children's fiction.
Writing
We
encourage pupils always to take pride in the appearance
of their written work. We want them to achieve a balance
between grammatical accuracy (by correcting spelling,
punctuation and sentence structure etc.) and creativity.
We insist on clear presentation and handwriting. There
is an opportunity to attend workshops to improve handwriting
and spelling.
Your
child will learn the techniques of writing in a variety
of functional as well as creative forms, e.g. formal
and informal letters, writing for information, media
scripts, formal essays, poetry, writing to express opinions,
etc. In addition, a great deal of time will be devoted
to preparing your child to respond successfully to examination
questions.
Speaking
and Listening
We
want to inspire confidence in the speech of our pupils.
Your child will learn the skills of oral communication
in a variety of individual and collaborative situations,
ranging from giving instructions and detailed explanations,
to news presentations and debates. Audio-visual equipment
may be used to record performances and
an Oral Assessment Record is kept for each pupil. We
have had considerable success in Public Speaking
competitions in recent years.
Performance
The
Department sees performance as being central to much
of its work in all its areas of communication with speaking
and listening and drama-based activities prominent in
lesson planning.
Pupils
improve their knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare
through extracts performed in the classroom. Theatre
Companies are invited to stimulate
pupil interest in the exploration of text through drama
and discussion.
The
department also uses simulation exercises to consider
literary and non-literary issues where pupils are asked
to make judgments about people, their attitudes and beliefs.
Individual
pupils are always giving presentations on research carried
out, on anecdotal material about a personal experience.
Poetry reading, recitations and visits from Andrew
Motion, the Poet Laureate and David Steele, a member
of the British Haiku society have enriched the English
curriculum for staff and pupils alike.
Neil Storey historian, author and media personality has enthralled our pupils with tales of grisly Victorian murder whilst opportunities to meet famous children’s authors such as Celia Rees, Jamila Gavin and GP Taylor have been provided by Ottakers to Northgate pupils. Next year we have even more exciting ventures planned for our pupils.
To
enable children to enhance their pleasure in reading,
the department invites published poets and storytellers
to school. Organisations such as Front Lines Publication
Company, the 'Lightning Strikes' library scheme, and
the Norfolk Library Service have provided opportunities
for pupils to develop their reading interests.
Homework
In
all of the disciplines we maintain a rigorous system
of assessing pupils’ work. Varied, relevant homework
is set on a regular basis (a minimum of one per week
for each group). Pupils are expected to read regularly
in addition to normal homework. Drafting work is closely
monitored, to ensure that pupils are maintaining the
necessary standards. Final drafts are marked, included
in Coursework Folders and specially-designed National
Curriculum Assessment Sheets are filled in. Details of
Schemes of Work and Assessment Procedures are available
in all the English rooms.
English
in the Upper School (Key Stage 4)
In Years 10 and 11 pupils are broadly set by ability, in groups where the balance between accuracy in grammar and individual creativity is maintained. In line with current practice there is an increasing emphasis on the analysis of and responses to the media, which is developed further in a separate GCSE Media Studies course.
English
and Specialist Status
In
September 2004 we became the only school in the country
with the combined specialism of Arts and Humanities.
We nominated English (Language and Literature), Art and
Design and Drama as three major strengths.
English
is a key subject. The Local Education Authority recognised
Northgate's strength in this area by asking us to become
a 'Leading Literacy School for Norfolk.' Raising Literacy
Standards will improve access to the curriculum for all
pupils, hence improving performance in every curriculum
area.
This year the school develops its major research project in partnership with Norfolk Schools Library Service, Children’s Services and Dereham Library.
