Welcome to the English Department!

Our aim at Limehurst Academy is to build on the success of the literacy skills developed at primary school and to provide pupils with a broad access to the three key areas of study in English: Speaking & Listening, Reading and Writing. This is achieved through work on a series of modules such as: the study of a variety of fiction texts; the development of writing skills; analysis of non-fiction and media texts and the teaching of drama and speaking skills. In addition, we offer a range of extra-curricular opportunities such as reading groups, theatre visits and workshops and competitions.

We aim to foster literacy skills in the English Department which can be adapted and utilised by pupils to access all areas of the curriculum within school. These skills are consistently reinforced in all subject areas.

We believe that reading for pleasure is a vital part of everyday life and as a result, we actively encourage pupils to develop a love of reading. We think this will enable them to interact with and be engaged by texts not only as entertainment, but also at a level which enables them to develop reading and writing skills across the curriculum. These skills will be invaluable to pupils for future studies and careers. Pupils are expected to carry a reading book in their school bags at all times and are encouraged to make full use of the school library.

Key Stage 3

When pupils arrive in Year 7, they are taught in mixed ability form groups for the first half term to enable us to get to know them and their skills and abilities in the subject. This is achieved using a variety of KS2 data provided by the feeder primary schools and by a series of baseline tests carried out by the department in the early stages of the term.

Once the pupils have been set according to their ability and support needs, they follow a series of modules and linked assessments over the course of the year. Should further input be required to ensure pupils make expected progress, intervention activities, such as one to one sessions or small group work is carried out with selected individuals.

Throughout Year 8 and 9, pupils are taught in groups according to ability and support needs, following a broad range of modules to develop skills in all areas of English.

All pupils receive a minimum of three hours of English per week and one hour of Drama on a rotational basis. Please see the course overview for further details.

Key Stage 4

Pupils are taught either four or five hours of English per week depending on their learning pathway at KS4. All pupils sit two GCSE qualifications at the end of Year 11 in both Language and Literature.

We follow the EDEXCEL GCSE for English Language and Literature. For further information about the courses and set texts please see the course overview for KS4
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