Curriculum Aim

English at the Becton Centre aims to promote a holistic approach to learning that includes building cultural capital, creating a love of reading to develop high standards of language and literacy by effectively equipping children and young people (CYP) with strong skills in reading, writing, and speaking across the English curriculum. Fostering a love of literature and reading is an integral component of the subject. Expanding vocabulary and grammatical knowledge, and enabling clear and confident communication to prepare CYP for further education and participation in society is an important part of the English curriculum at Kingfisher Academy. Key objectives include ensuring fluency, promoting cultural and personal development through diverse texts, and building a solid foundation for success in all subjects.

Context

CYP at the Becton Centre may have gaps in their education due to time out of school and our curriculum is designed so that CYP can access learning whatever their starting point. It is usual for CYP to join Becton at different points in the year – this can have an impact on our curriculum planning and means that our learning packages are often bespoke to enable CYP to progress well and fulfil their potential. Lessons and curriculums are structured to be flexible and adaptable to the needs and interests of CYP, though always focused on the core skills they require for success in English Language and Literature at GCSE.

Curriculum Overview

The KS3 curriculum runs over a 2-year rolling programme that incorporates the revisiting of skills – this gives CYP multiple opportunities to build upon skills and consolidate learning. This is essential for CYP at the Becton Centre, as they can join us at any point in the school year. At KS4, CYP follow either Cambridge IGCSE or AQA GCSE English Language (or another appropriate qualification) – for this, links to previous learning are considered. For Literature, CYP follow the AQA GCSE specification. There is also a bespoke programme of learning in place for Edexcel functional skills English; from entry level 1 up to and including level 2. The curriculum incorporates bespoke elements that are tailored to specific CYP needs.

As CYP join at various points in the year, we structure our lessons and curriculums to be flexible and adaptable to their needs and interest, though always focused on the core skills they require for success in English Language and Literature at GCSE. We study shorter texts, poems, prose novels and novellas, such as A Long way Down as well as War poetry and extracts from texts such as Narnia, Rebecca, and The Woman in Black to give learners exposure to inspirational texts, whilst maintaining engagement in a rapidly changing cohort.

Typically, secondary school-aged CYP in Emerald Lodge will look at the KS3 curriculum and secondary school-aged CYP in Sapphire Lodge will look at the KS4 curriculum.

Key concepts, skills and knowledge

Core skills

Reading: Fluently read with good understanding, develop a habit of reading widely, and be able to comprehend complex texts.

Writing: Write clearly, accurately, and coherently, adapting style for different purposes and audiences. This includes creative writing and analytical writing.

Speaking: Explain ideas clearly, use appropriate rhetorical devices, and speak with confidence.

Listening: Listen carefully to understand and respond appropriately to others.

Key concepts and knowledge

Grammar and vocabulary: Possess an extensive vocabulary and a command of grammar and linguistic conventions for both reading and writing.

Literary analysis: Understand how writers use language and structure for effect. This includes analysing poetry, drama, and prose, and understanding figurative language.

Context: Have knowledge of literary heritage, social, political, and historical contexts, and how these elements influence texts.

Communication: Understand that language is used for different purposes, such as to persuade, inform, or entertain.

Interpersonal skills: Consider the needs of an audience and develop social and emotional skills to communicate effectively with different groups.

Applying knowledge and skills

Integration: Use an integrated approach that combines the four skills in tasks, such as reading a text, then discussing it, and finally writing about it.

Purposeful language: Adapt language and style based on purpose, audience, and context.

Argue and persuade: Build well-reasoned arguments supported by textual evidence and a knowledge of the subject matter.

Critical thinking: Develop independent thought through analysing texts and forming opinions

The curriculum plans for both KS3 and KS4 are both modelled on the curriculum offer at Chapel House, with the flexibility to deviate or use shorter extracts in place of whole texts when the cohort is changeable.