English

Ethos & Values

Our aims are:

• To deliver an English curriculum of the highest standard. A curriculum designed to lead students through many different genres, both as readers and as writers. A curriculum which builds on key skills and themes year by year, underpinned by cognitive learning theory.
• To put literacy skills at the heart of the curriculum. To encourage students to maximise their full potential in the three areas of language development: reading, writing, oracy and understand how these are relevant to all aspects of the curriculum and life beyond school.
• To ensure that learners build confidence, feel valued, motivated and informed about their own progress and are proactively involved in reviewing and evaluating their individual achievements.
• To have consistently high expectations and match these with high quality resources and learning strategies.
• To provide a range of learning experiences appropriate to the age, ability and needs of the students. Students are encouraged to actively participate in lessons; developing the ability to communicate effectively, accurately and with confidence, both orally and in writing, in a variety of styles and situations.

Knowledge & Skills

The sequencing of the English curriculum at Louth Academy intentionally allows students the opportunity to experience key themes and skills through a cumulative and logical sequence to support understanding and application.

Students are exposed to challenging, ambitious texts and materials from a range of rich and varied literary heritage. As we progress throughout the curriculum, we will revisit key skills and themes; students are encouraged to start making links between texts and applying skills more confidently and independently as they move through the curriculum.

We scaffold the learning of our students to ensure they are exposed to curriculum themes and skills gradually and repeatedly throughout their educational journey. The more exposure students have to these themes and key skills, the more confident they become to approach and enjoy ambitious texts and writing forms as they progress throughout the course.

• All students are encouraged to develop their speaking, reading and writing skills through their study of interesting and challenging texts, both fictional and non-fictional.
• Students are encouraged and helped to broaden their vocabulary and understanding of the way language works.
• Students are taught about explicit and implicit meanings and are taught the skills necessary for identifying and evaluating texts.
• Students are taught to craft their writing for maximum effect and imaginative enjoyment.
• All students learn how to structure their ideas for purpose.
• Students develop their ability to read for different purposes - for information, research and personal enrichment.
• Students develop their written communication and are taught to vary their style when writing for a variety of different audiences, in a variety of forms for a range of reasons. 
• Accuracy in spelling, punctuation, grammar and paragraphing is explicitly taught and revisited throughout the curriculum. 
• To celebrate significant days through the study of Literature and the encouragement of imaginative and creative responses.

Resources & Facilities

• Students have access to libraries on both sites, where there is a range of texts available to read for pleasure and to assist them in their studies.
• A librarian is available on selected days at both sites to support students in reading for pleasure.
• Students in years 7-10 share a form reader text as part of our commitment to encourage reading for pleasure.
• Students across the Academy use the Reading Toolkit to support a range of reading strategies in all curriculum areas.
• Reading Plus is available to all year 7 students and some students in year 8 and 9, where students are receiving extra support to assist them in developing reading fluency.
• All students are tested for reading ages so that a bespoke plan can be implemented for any additional reading needs.
• Y10 and 11 students have a range of revision material available on Teams to access at any point from home.
• Students in year 7 study Writing Mastery and the Literary Heritage from Ark Curriculum where staff are supported by the My Mastery team.
• Classrooms include an interactive whiteboard to support the learning of all students.
• Enrichment activities are offered on both sites: including book clubs, creative writing and Sports Journalism.
• Regular performances of key texts are organised to give students access to knowledge of performance and stagecraft.

Courses & Qualifications

Reading Plus

Reading Plus is a computer based adaptive literacy solution that improves fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, stamina, and motivation. All students in year 7 are provided with a log on and timetabled lessons to complete Reading Plus. In addition, some selected students in year 8 and 9 also receive further Reading Plus sessions to continue to develop essential reading skills so that they can successfully engage with the Academy Curriculum.

Year 7

Students are taught the Ark Curriculum English Mastery programme where subject knowledge and passion are at the heart of delivery. Lessons are divided between Writing Mastery and Literary Heritage.

Literary Heritage

Literary Heritage is a traditional study of the English Literary canon. Students study the foundational texts of English Literature such as 'Oliver Twist' and 'The Tempest'. The defining messages of these texts, such as Dickens' desire for a fairer society, will support their future study of English and other subjects. At the end of the year students study creative writing where creativity and originality emerge from a deep understanding of the subject's foundations.

Writing Mastery

Writing Mastery is a knowledge rich, logically sequenced curriculum that aims to improve grammar and writing skills. The course is structured around cognitive science to support the memory and application of core grammar principles. Teachers ensure students are able to understand and apply skills before moving on.

Year 8

Throughout year 8, students are building on skills and knowledge acquired in year 7, while developing a deeper understanding and mastery of creative writing and reading for meaning. We continue to encourage students to read at home by providing a reading log for parents/carers to sign and check regularly.

English Language:

In Language lessons, students begin the year with the module 'Out and About', examining descriptive techniques in classic modern literature and non-fiction texts. We also make links to the year 8 school wide theme of Travel. We move on to examine the Science Fiction genre and how it has been used to explore possibilities and imagine developments with a focus on using language creatively. We move on to a media module and learn how to write articles and express opinions in an engaging, persuasive way. In the Summer term, we revisit Dickens and offer an exciting trip to a workhouse for an immersive experience of Victorian Literature.

English Literature:

In Literature lessons students read two whole class novels: one focuses on how relationships between characters unfold and one is a story from the 'Mystery' genre to engage students with a variety of fictional story structures. Students will also study a selection of poetry and key scenes from some of Shakespeare's plays, with the opportunity to see a performance in school.

Year 9

Year Nine is a significant year that is academically ambitious in preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for further study, while developing a lifelong appreciation and interest in reading and writing.

English Language:

We continue to encourage students to build lasting reading habits by providing a reading log for parents/carers to sign and check regularly. In Language lessons students will study the short story genre in 'The Art of Story-telling' before moving on to two transactional writing units that explore the power of words; barriers and challenges and differing perspectives. Students will study a diverse range of reading material to reflect and challenge their lived experiences, while building empathy and understanding of different characters (both real and imagined).

English Literature:

In Literature lessons Year Nine begin the year by studying an exciting, yet challenging text: Animal Farm by George Orwell. This unit allows students to further develop their understanding of how context affects meaning. Students then go on to engage with a range of poetry and learn to examine poetry for ideas, meaning and methods. In the Summer term students experience their first part of the GCSE course by studying a modern classic and GCSE drama text: An Inspector Calls. As well as broadening students' knowledge and experience, this unit helps develop the skills and understanding of broad themes, plot and characters essential for the study of their GCSE in year 10.

Year 10 and 11

Our priority at Louth Academy is to deliver an exciting and enriching English curriculum which uses the GCSE courses to underpin an inspiring, life-enhancing, serious study of literature and language. We teach students to express themselves fully, creatively and individually using the spoken and written word.

All students undertake the study of two separate GCSE courses for English. They continue to be taught as two separate classes: English Language and English Literature, to ensure students have a range of teaching expertise and experience.

English Language in Year 10 & 11

The focus of lessons is preparation for the examinations at the end of the course where ideas and skills are delivered in an engaging way as we continue to link to a range of broad themes through modules such as 'Relationships', 'The Power of Nature' and 'Travel Writing'.

Courses

The Eduqas exam board English Language GCSE consists of two examinations; Component 1 is based on a short fictional story and the exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes and Component 2 includes two non-fiction extracts and the examination is two hours. Across the two papers, students will answer reading assessment questions on texts from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries followed by completing a range of fictional and non-fiction writing tasks.

Students will also be required complete a Speaking and Listening endorsement, where students will be asked to perform a speech in front of a small audience.

English Literature in Year 10 & 11

Literature lessons prepare students for examinations at the end of the course whilst enriching and fostering a lasting love of literature. We study a range of texts and explore a multitude of diverse characters through a variety of different forms and mediums.

Courses

AQA English Literature: Paper 1 assesses an understanding of a Shakespeare text and a text from the 19th century, chosen from a list prescribed by AQA. The examination is 1 hour and 45 minutes long. Paper 2 is 2 hours and 15 minutes and consists of four questions based on a modern text, an anthology of poetry and two unseen poems.

Currently, students will study Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' and 'An Inspector Calls' as well as studying the Power and Conflict poetry anthology. The course continues to build on skills and themes that have been introduced throughout previous years and the learning continues to be logically sequenced and underpinned by Cognitive Load theory to maximise the student's potential.

Learning Outside The Classroom

Students visit the library regularly during their lessons in years 7, 8 and 9. Touring theatre companies are used to enhance students' dramatic experiences and ensure that all students are able to see at least one live performance of a play during their time at the school. In addition, we organise a range of immersive experiences including live author visits, question and answer sessions with working authors, creative writing workshops, cinematic experiences of plays and films, a 'Poetry Live' trip and even a trip to a Dickensian style workhouse!

Where Does This Take Me In The Future?

As English underpins all other subjects across the curriculum, it plays a major role in preparing students for further study, working life and being a well-rounded member of society. Focusing on skills of analysis, evaluation and developing the ability to empathise with others and imagine viewpoints and perspectives different to our own, means that English study and qualifications prepare individuals for participation and success in every area of work and life.

An English Language qualification at a pass grade or above is a pre-requisite for entry on many courses at college, or university and provides students with key communication skills needed for future study and the work place.

An English Literature qualification is an excellent way of showing the analytical and evaluative skills many employers and colleges value.

Reading – How Parents Can Help

Reading is at the very heart of the curriculum at Louth Academy, we know that reading has a significant impact on outcomes in all subject areas. Below are a few hints and tips about how you can support students to become lifelong readers at home.

1. Encourage your child to read

Reading helps a child’s wellbeing, develops imagination, cultural capital and supports learning in all areas of the curriculum. Just a few minutes a day can have a huge impact on children of all ages.

2. Read aloud regularly

Encourage children to read aloud on a regular basis, this could be to a parent, carer, friend or sibling. Sharing books with younger siblings is a great opportunity to add funny voices and accents. Don’t be afraid to join in!

3. Encourage reading choice

Give children lots of opportunities to read different things in their own time - it doesn’t just have to be books. There’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics, magazines, recipes and much more.

4. Read together

Choose a favourite time to read together as a family and enjoy it. This might be everyone reading the same book together, reading different things at the same time or getting children to read to each other. An audio book on a long car journey could be a great way to engage the whole family.

5. Create a comfortable environment

Make a calm, comfortable place for your family to relax and read independently - or together.

6. Make use of your local library

Local libraries also offer brilliant online materials, including audiobooks and eBooks to borrow. See Libraries Connected for more digital library services and resources.

7. Talk about books

This is a great way to make connections, develop understanding and make reading even more enjoyable. Start by discussing the front cover and talking about what it reveals and suggests the book could be about. You could talk about how the book makes you feel and whether it reminds you of anything.

8. Bring reading to life

You could try cooking a recipe you’ve read together. Would you recommend it to a friend? Alternatively, play a game where you hot seat the characters in a book, or discuss an interesting article you’ve read.

9. Make reading active

Create word association games based on the text you are reading, encourage everyone to join in. Draw pictures of characters and settings of the books you are reading, make a board game based on the plot.

10. Engage children in reading in a way that suits them

You know your child best and you'll know the best times for your child to read. If English is an additional language, encourage reading in a child’s first language, as well as in English. What matters most is that they enjoy it.

Where to find books…

Booktrust.org.uk: find reading lists of various genres for different age groups.

Lovereading4kids.co.uk: excellent recommendations, downloads and first chapters for free.

Amazon: search for a book your child has enjoyed reading and see what other people then bought.

The library at school: gives students an opportunity to browse and ask for advice and to borrow a book.

Charity shops always have a book section and often have great books to buy.

Further Information

KS3 Websites to enhance English studies

• www.educationquizzes.com/ks3/english/adjectives-01/Quizzes to practice parts of speech.
• www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-46131593 Encourages an interest in journalism and media in young people.
• www.senecalearning.com/ A great website for practising skills from KS3 through to A levels.
• www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/ Recommends books for children.

GCSE English Language Revision Websites:

• www.bbc.com/bitesize - This website has a variety of activities to support the study of the AQA English Language GCSE course. You can explore model responses, support with sentence starters, success criteria for each question and much more. Paper 1 & Paper 2.
• www.youtube.com – 'Mr Bruff' Language tutorial videos range from Level 4 support if you are struggling with the basics and offers a range of high-ability videos if you are reaching for the stars and pushing yourself.
• lifemoreextraordinary.com/revision/revise-english-language-gcse-aqa/ - An engaging video tutorial of Language support exploring the top tips and must have exam skills.
• www.englishbiz.co.uk - An engaging website that offers a wide range of GCSE English Language skills and resources to practice at home.

GCSE English Literature Revision Websites:

• www.bbc.com/bitesize/ - This website has a variety of activities to support the study of all the Literature texts students are studying at GCSE. Make sure you know your Marley from your Scrooge!
• www.revisionword.com – This website has a variety of activities to support the study of all the Literature texts students are studying at GCSE. Make sure you know your Macbeth from your MacDuff!
• www.studywise.co.uk – Various links to revision sites and tuition videos.
• www.quizlet.com – Variety of flashcard activities focusing on Literature texts e.g. Characters, key quotations, themes etc.
• www.youtube.com – 'Mr Bruff' Literature tutorial videos range from Level 4 support if you are struggling with the basics and offers a range of high-ability videos if you are reaching for the stars and pushing yourself.
• www.sparknotes.com/nofear/shakespeare/macbeth/ - Spark Notes provides a modern day 'translation' of Macbeth which facilitates your understanding of the play as a whole, including support notes and annotations to further develop your critical analysis of the text. Have No Fear!