Year 6 English Presentation 2017

English at Key Stage 3 Mrs Heenan (Head of English)

‘There is no more important act in education than helping children to learn to read.’

Our aims in English: • To develop all pupils’ understanding and appreciation of their culture by introducing them to the best that has been thought and said.

• To develop pupils’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills so that they can communicate clearly, imaginatively and for a range of purposes.

• To foster a lifelong love of literature, language and creative expression.

The best that has been thought and said‌

So in Year 7 pupils study: • • • • • • •

Ancient Greek myths Writing imaginatively The art of rhetoric Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar History of English language & language change Revision and end of year tests (teaching of a spelling, punctuation and grammar unit will run consecutively with the above units)

We also “interleave� our curriculum so that learning is deeper and progress is sustained.

How will your child be supported in Year 7?

• • • • • •

Intervention Reading tests Reading groups with teachers before and after school Grammar taught throughout the year Regular class assessments on topics studied Regular feedback after assessments that will go in a progress folder so pupils and parents can track progress.

Homework English homework is set once per week.

Homework is either: • 30 minutes of revision and self-testing; • or 30 minutes of Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar work.

Staff will monitor the hand-in rate and award an effort level.

Pupils who fail to hand in homework on time will receive a detention.

The Importance of Reading • There is no better way for your child to improve his vocabulary, his understanding of words and his grammar than reading.

• We expect all pupils to read for pleasure in their own time.

• You can support your child in this by reading with them. Any type of text is good, fiction, non-fiction, manuals, short stories, poetry etc..

• A KS3 recommended reading list is available after the presentation.

• We expect all pupils at West Hill to have a personal reading book with them at all times.

Digital Library

• Every pupil at West Hill has access to the Digital Library.

• Books can be read on computers, smartphones and tablet devices.

• Some titles are available in audiobook format.

• No late fees or having to remember to return the book.

• Boys are encouraged to read at home.

• Go to: http://westhillschool.lib.overdrive.com/ • Today every pupil has been given a username and password to access the eLibrary.

• Look at the school website for detailed instructions.

OverDrive App • For those of you with a smartphone or tablet device download this app

Book Review Challenge • Your challenge is to read a book and complete a book review for September. Bring the book review to your first English lesson where a prize will be awarded for the best review in each class!

Equipment Please ensure you child comes to English with the basic equipment to work: • More than 1 black pen • Pencil • A green pen • A set of highlighters • Ruler • A mini dictionary and thesaurus would also be useful.

Equipment checks will occur regularly during form period and lessons.

Expectations We expect a calm, supportive and purposeful learning environment within the English Department.

We ask pupils to: – Sit up straight – Listen carefully – Answer questions – Never interrupt – Track the teacher

Best Piece of Work • We would like each pupil to bring their best piece of work from primary school. This will then be scanned onto the school system so teachers can see what pupils are capable of and the standard of work we expect to build upon.

Finally • Ultimately we want your child to enjoy being taught in English lessons and most importantly to be successful and reach their full potential. • If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to me after the presentations or email me at: heenan@westhillschool.co.uk