Year 6 English Presentation 2018

English at Key Stage 3 Mr Hazzelby (Head of English)

‘Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.’

(Richard Steele)

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 Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream The art of rhetoric A range of non-fiction A range of poetry Imaginative writing and essay writing History of English language & language change

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 and handwriting tests completed today • Read, Write, Inc and personalised curriculum for small number of pupils.

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

Homework English homework is set once per week and it is always the same.

Homework will consist of: • revision and self-quizzing using a homework book; • Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar work using online tools and sites – e.g. Doddle.

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 and to complete a Weekly Reading Log. • 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 on our website: Curriculum  Curriculum support  Literacy • 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/ • Every pupil is given a username and password to access the eLibrary.

• Look at the school website for detailed instructions.

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

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: hazzelby@westhillschool.co.uk