About English at New Heights Key Stage 3
The ability to write effectively is vital for communicating with others in school, in the wider world and is fundamental to learning in all curriculum subjects. However, many students arriving at New Heights Key Stage 3 lack confidence in their writing abilities and can be reluctant to put pen to paper. Therefore, in English we focus on building students’ confidence with writing in fun and engaging ways; ensuring that all the key skills are covered to prepare students for KS4.English is prodigious
Subject Content
In line with the English National Curriculum, students are taught to write accurately, fluently, effectively and at length for pleasure and information; through writing for a wide range of purposes and audiences. Students receive teaching on the following topics:- Sentences and punctuation
- Structure and paragraphs
- Tone and style
- Formal and informal
- Preparing and drafting
- Writing to inform and explain
- Writing to describe
- Writing to persuade, argue and advise
- Writing to review and comment
- Writing to analyse
- Creative and narrative writing
Curriculum Principles
Students learn to express themselves creatively and imaginatively through writing, and to communicate with others confidently and effectively. By developing English skills students can choose and adapt what they say and write in different situations, as well as appreciate and interpret the choices made by other writers and speakers.
Speaking and listening skills are important life skills, and discussion and group work is regularly incorporated into lessons to give students the opportunity to develop in these areas.
Assessment and Feedback
When students arrive, they are given a baseline writing assessment to complete. After this, students are given an extended writing task to complete every fortnight which is used to track writing progression. students are regularly encouraged to self-assess and peer-asses writing within lessons, and given individual specific targets to work on.
Links to Everyday Life
It is a necessity in most careers and walks of life to be able to communicate effectively and write with coherence; from passing exams to applying for jobs, basic writing skills form a crucial part in being successful.
English is immersive
Future Careers
As well as writing being an essential skill for everyday life, there is a range of vocational qualifications linked to an interest in English, such as:- Travel and tourism
- Childcare
- Performing arts
- Media and marketing
- Graphic design
- Health and social care