English Intent

English forms the basis for our development, relationships and our understanding of the world around us. The study of English is key to our personal growth and, through the development of effective written and spoken communication, it is the foundation for all our learning. The ability to communicate effectively, confidently and with clarity is crucial in school, but also in becoming an effective participant in our wider society with skills of communication being key to accessing the world of work and in navigating adult life. In a fast paced, global world the importance of fluent written and spoken English is crucial and it is essential that we develop these skills through an effective English curriculum.

From Year 7, students will be building on the foundations of the primary curriculum through a systematic exposure to a wide range of high-quality literature. We not only promote reading for enjoyment to ignite a curiosity in students, but also as a way of acquiring knowledge and exploring the world in ways that develop a student’s cultural and emotional intellect. Our Secondary Reading Strategy recognises the barriers students face in accessing challenging texts such as: complexity of narrator, non-linear time sequences, complexity of story or archaic texts and encourages students to confidently explore and probe the literal and layered meanings in the texts they read. Through our curriculum we actively encourage students to develop their close reading skills so they can confidently and methodically break down the language and structure of a complex passage to establish and analyse meaning. Furthermore, in order to develop accountable and independent readers, we have designed a curriculum which requires different types or layers of reading which is supported by text dependent questions and where possible, with mastery shown through a range of writing opportunities.

As our students progress through the English curriculum, they are continually developing their close reading skills through exposure to increasingly challenging fiction and non-fiction, which include works by 19th, 20th and 21st century writers. We want our students to be able to engage with a range of texts with confidence and to develop their skills in decoding difficult texts, gathering carefully selected evidence, evaluating texts in detail and possessing the ability to explore multiple texts simultaneously to formulate and articulate personal viewpoints. The development of these skills feeds directly into their study of spoken language and the importance of verbal communication in accessing the world around them. Opportunities have been created for students to debate and discuss their ideas through a range of individual and group presentations, speeches, performing plays and reading aloud. We firmly believe that exposure to a range of opportunities builds a confidence in students and allows them to develop their life-long skills in verbal communication.

Confidence, control and accuracy in a range of writing is developed through frequent opportunities to write for a range of audiences and purposes. It is important that students use writing as an opportunity to formulate and develop their ideas and in using writing as a way to think critically about a topic and express their point of view. Across all writing activities, students are exposed to the importance of accuracy and the ability for students to construct and revise sentences for effect and impact is vital. In order to develop their skills, students are encouraged to expand their use of vocabulary through probing and investigating the nuances of language in order to enhance their written expression and clarity.

The English curriculum in our schools is robust and systematic in exposing students to effective challenge, so they can build and refine long-lasting skills for the future. Subsequently, we offer a curriculum which has appropriate challenge for all students and aims to allow students to flourish in the skills required for success in their chosen KS4 and post 16 pathways.

English Curriculum Intent Overview

We believe that students deserve a broad and ambitious English curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which ignites curiosity and prepares them well for future learning or employment. Our English curriculum will give students the opportunity to:

  • read complex passages confidently and methodically, in order to breakdown the language and structure to establish and analyse meaning;
  • demonstrate mastery of reading through discussion and writing;
  • enjoy a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts which help them to connect with the world around them;
  • develop cultural capital that will help remove barriers to achievement in school, future learning and the world of work;
  • write clearly, fluently and accurately in plain English, showing flair and creativity where appropriate;
  • develop detailed ideas in writing, adapting language to audience and purpose;
  • use a wide range of appropriate and ambitious vocabulary with precision;
  • produce ‘beautiful work’ of which they can be proud;
  • in talk, articulate and express their ideas, views and opinions about a wide range of topics clearly, confidently and respectfully;
  • develop their character, including resilience, confidence and independence, so that they contribute positively to the life of the school, the Doncaster community and the wider environment.
PedagogyEnrichmentOther general principles
Our pedagogy is underpinned by:·a rigorous and systematic approach to the teaching of reading, adopting the principles and practice recommended in ‘Reading Reconsidered’ by Doug Lemov;·the regular use of live modelling and exemplar texts to demonstrate processes, standards and expectations;·a range of strategies to deepen knowledge so that it is committed to long term memory;·a need to ‘normalise error’ so that teachers can pre-empt error as part of their planning to address gaps swiftly, and students see error as a learning opportunity;·the importance of giving students regular opportunities to improve and redraft work;·Regular self, peer and teacher assessment to monitor and address misunderstandings and inaccuracies that are boundaries to progress.We will enrich our curriculum by:·establishing cross-curricular links where appropriate;·providing on and off-site subject or topic related experiences;·offering opportunities for children to learn outdoors where appropriate;·holding Trust-wide competitions to celebrate best work and extraordinary effort;·encouraging students to contribute to the life of the school and the community, including charity work, and use these ‘real’ contexts to develop their skills and knowledge in English;·developing partnerships with external providers that extend children’s opportunities for learning.Our curriculum will enable students to:·learn within a coherent and progressive framework;·develop new skills through a variety of interesting contexts to foster enjoyment;·develop a rich and deep subject knowledge·understand what they are doing well and how they need to improve;·explore the breadth and depth of the national curriculum;·build on their understanding of the importance of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and tolerance and respect;·improve their spiritual, social, moral and cultural understanding;·develop autonomy around their own reading choices.

Meet the Staff ​

Mrs Greenwood is the Head of Department for English and has strategic overview of English at Melior Academy. ​

Mrs Z. Stothard – 2nd in Department​

Miss C Thoresen – Lead Teacher​

Mrs K. Fletcher – Teacher of English​

Miss K. Shaplin – Teacher of English​

Miss M. Wing – Teacher of English​

Miss G. Macdonald – Teacher of English​

Mr G. Lings – Teacher of English​

Mrs L. Boczkowska.​

Miss J. Ronald.