Palm Global Academy

English

Aims

English is the core subject that allows students to access all other subjects in the curriculum. At Palm Global Academy, our English programme at Key Stage 3 aims to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping students with a strong command of spoken and written skills. The English programme at Key Stage 3 ensures that all students:

  • Read easily and develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.
  • Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
  • Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
  • Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
  • Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Content Summary

English at Key Stage 3 is split into four categories.

Reading: We aim to develop an appreciation and love of reading and include a wide range of fiction and non-fiction in our courses from whole books, short stories, poems and plays from a variety of genres, historical periods, forms and authors

Writing: In their written work, students are supported to write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length, for a range of purposes and audiences, including:

  • Essays
  • Stories, scripts, poetry and other imaginative writing
  • Notes and scripts for talks and presentations
  • A range of other texts, including arguments, and personal and formal letters.

Speaking and Listening: Students will be taught to speak confidently and effectively through using Standard English confidently in a range of formal and informal contexts including classroom discussions. Students will be encouraged to give short speeches, participate in debates and create presentations on a range of topics.

Grammar and vocabulary: Throughout years 7 to 9, students will have opportunities to consolidate their knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary through the following approaches to learning.

  • Analysing more challenging texts.
  • Studying the effectiveness and impact of the grammatical features of the texts they read.
  • Acquiring new vocabulary and grammatical tools from literature and texts.
  • Understanding the differences between written and spoken English.
  • Using Standard English in their written and spoken work.
  • Using linguistic and literary terminology to discuss text.