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  • English

English

Meet the English Team

Mrs Hennig (Head of English), Mr Davies, Miss Stonebridge, Ms Kavanagh, Miss Johnson, Miss Planella and Miss Giles

 

Why study English? 

We study English to enable us to explore the world we live in through stories, poems and the words of those who have come before us. In English at Seahaven Academy you will read some of the greatest stories ever told and have an opportunity to discuss and debate the ‘big ideas’ and themes within. 

Our aim is that every student leaves Seahaven with the confidence to express their ideas and opinions clearly and effectively. We believe that English provides a platform for a broad range of further study and look forward to introducing all our students to everything from the joy of building an imaginary world to honing the accuracy of their written communication and everything in between. 

KS3 Curriculum Information:  

For further information on the Enlish curriculum plesae click here.

Enrichment to the curriculum: 

In English we grab any opportunity to get involved with external companies. For example, we have taken groups to watch Macbeth at the open-air theatre, to watch An Inspector Calls at the Theatre Royal. We are investigating opportunities for people to come in and visit the school – from authors to poets to theatre companies who will perform on site. Obviously, this is a challenge under current circumstances, however online opportunities abound! We are investigating online RSC and Globe productions and many writers are keen to engage with schools via virtual platforms. We also encourage students to engage with external writing competitions, both fiction and non-fiction and will be looking to expand our provision of lunchtime (and eventually after-school) clubs. 

 

5 Frequently Asked Questions: 

  1. Do you teach in sets, or mixed attainment groups? 

We teach mainly in mixed attainment groups. The research is mixed on setting versus mixed attainment but we find this manner of grouping students encourages rich discussion and exploration of ideas as well as encouraging students to work as hard as they can no matter their target grade or prior attainment. English is an un-tiered exam – there is no Foundation or Higher paper entry and so the sky is the limit for attainment. 

 

  1. Which novels/plays/ poems do you study and why? 

We have selected texts based on the following criteria:  

  1. Must be EXCELLENT texts which will enable rich and multi-layered discussion 

  1. Must represent a range of diverse voices (e.g. male, female, non-binary writers /LGBTQ writers / writers from a range of backgrounds and countries) 

  1. Must be texts that we as teachers have strong subject knowledge of in order to enable us to stretch and challenge all students 

 

  1. How do you support students who struggle with literacy? 

Literacy skills are a core component of our curriculum. In KS3, we dedicate one reading lesson a week in which students will do a combination of independent reading for pleasure and group work on reading skills and strategies. During these lessons we have break-out groups for students in need of additional intervention. We are continually developing our methods of teaching writing, with new materials designed to break down the complexity of extended writing task and allow students to work on their individual areas of need. We work closely with the Learning Support Department to meet the needs of students who require additional intervention. 

 

  1. How do you support students who don’t like reading and writing? 

We recognise that for some students English has been a subject with which they may struggle. We have deliberately designed a broad curriculum in order to capture the imagination and interest of all. We have had many students in the past who have initially expressed a dislike for English and who have found the opportunity to discuss and debate the big ideas of texts in relation to their own lives and interests has brought the subject alive. 

 

  1. How do you provide challenge in the curriculum? 

Our curriculum is designed to be rigorous and challenging from Y7 upwards. We have selected texts which will stretch and inspire all students. We include stretch and challenge tasks in all lessons in order to ensure students are continually learning. English is such a broad and rich subject that the sky really is the limit! We regularly use model texts, fiction, non-fiction and academic essays to encourage students to work from and be inspired by expert examples. 

 

 

 

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