At Oak Bank we support the pupils to achieve their potential in English
The English department engage learners with a diverse curriculum that suits the needs and the interests of the pupils.
We aim to capture their imagination and prove that English is not a subject to be ‘feared’ but enjoyed.
We study a variety of books, plays and non-fiction texts to develop and instil a love of reading. Children are encouraged to use their imagination, expand their vocabulary and access the same opportunities that are offered in a main stream environment.
In English we encourage self-expression, to listen to others and support each other to achieve their best.
We learn through a variety of methods including kinaesthetic tasks, debates, media, creative writing, drama, media, functional English and ICT. Alongside this we aim to support each child’s individual needs; developing social skills through social stories, addressing issues in the media and using various interventions to fill those gaps lost in their prior learning.
Every child is taught in a small group amongst their peers who have a similar level of English.
Pupils all work towards different outcomes depending on their ability and personal needs. They have the opportunity to achieve; Entry Level Functional skills, Functional Skills, GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language at Oak Bank with support from our English specialists.
English Department Statement of Intent
The English Department at Oak Bank is designed to instil a love of reading, engage learners with a diverse and differentiated curriculum, support them with achievable outcomes and prepare pupils for their post 16 transition.
Oak Bank follows the National Curriculum guidelines alongside schemes of work that capture their imagination and help develop an enjoyment of the subject from Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 5. Lessons are designed to support them with their social and personal development by including drama, activities, group work and kinaesthetic tasks.
Pupils often start at Oak Bank with a negative impression of English. Some pupils are unable to read or write. Often pupils have missed large chunks of their education. As an English team we strive to be creative in our teaching practices and build a trusting relationship between pupil and staff member. Additionally, writing and reading are a whole school approach so that they do not become the negative factor in a subject; on the contrary they are celebrated i.e. through competitions and achievements.
Classes are small and paced to suit the children’s’ developmental needs. Staff work and adapt schemes of work, created to inspire and enthuse the learner. English at Oak Bank is completely inclusive. Often schemes of work are developed to also support them with a statemented need e.g. social skill; or with cultural interest to engage them e.g. stories that are about children with a travelling background.
There are clear links throughout the English departmental plan that prepare them for their individualised outcomes. For example, if a pupil is working towards Functional skills, the key components for this exam are interwoven throughout their scheme of work. Pupil’s groupings are set and protected to restrict disruptions to GCSE classes. Likewise, we keep the least able in smaller targeted groups. All learners at Oak Bank achieve a qualification in English.
How ASPIRE is planned for in English;
Adaptable: Resilience, Self-Improvement and Growth Mindset;
- Mini Assessments
- Renaissance
- Revisiting and improving work
- Targets and Spellings
- Starters for literacy based tasks
Social Skills: Peer & Adult Relationship, Collaboration
- Group Work
- Presentations
- Peer Assessment
- Group activities e.g. Grammar Bingo
- Drama based skills
Problem Solving: Determination, Enquiry
- Research / Fact Finding
- Word puzzles
- Extended essay’s
- Quizzes
- Self-Evaluation
Independence: Self-reliance, setting own targets, applying own strategies
- Planning
- Assessments
- Self-Assessment
- Independent Projects
- Self-Reflection
Respect: For self, others, school and local community
- Cross-Cultural Texts
- Historical Texts
- Social Stories
- Group and Paired Work
- Media / Factual based discussion
Expression: Creativity, views, music & arts
- Creative Writing
- Story Boards / Comic Strips / Mind Maps
- Creative Texts
- Presentations on chosen topics
- Drama
