English
Literacy
Literacy is the willingness and ability to talk, listen read and write confidently and effectively in everyday life. In Park School we believe that pupils’ literacy skills are the key to educational progress, social integration and personal development and happiness. All teachers recognise the right of all pupils to reach their full potential.
Key Stage 3
All classes within Key Stage 3 have literacy hour every day. During literacy hour pupils have the opportunity to work at three different stations. These three stations incorporate focused activities in:
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Reading
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Writing
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Phonics
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Grammar
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Sentence construction
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Vocabulary development
Pupils spend twenty minutes at each station where they are assisted by a classroom assistant or teacher. The activities at each station are clearly explained to the pupils and the materials and resources are differentiated to meet the needs of each pupil.
Aspects of literacy are taught through a thematic approach. This is where many of the areas of the curriculum are connected together and integrated with a theme. This approach ensures that literacy skills are woven throughout the curriculum and these skills are reinforced so that pupils can achieve as well as they can.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4 pupils work towards their Entry Level in English qualification. Pupils must complete six units to gain the qualification at Entry 1, Entry 2 or Entry 3 depending on the level of units they achieve. This qualification is designed to build on the knowledge, skills and capabilities developed at Key Stage 3 and also develops skills needed for adult and working life. The units covered are as follows:
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Unit 1: English through the Media: Still Image
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Unit 2: English through Poetry
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Unit 3: English through Drama
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Unit 4: English through the Media: Moving Images Genres
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Unit 5: English through Prose
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Unit 6: English through Experience
Post 16
Post 16 pupils will work towards either their Entry Level Certificate in Essential Skills – Adult Literacy, or Level 1/Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Communication qualification, depending on their qualification achieved at Key Stage 4. This is delivered through the OCN awarding body and provides opportunities for our pupils to update and further develop their skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening. These qualifications are externally assessed.
Accelerated Reading
Implemented in September 2016 the Accelerated Reading (AR) Program aims to promote an interest in reading, promote independent reading and develop comprehension skills for all our pupils. Accelerated Reader is an effective support for our pupils in need of intervention. The AR software helps teachers manage and monitor the independent practice. A set of reports allows them to see how much a pupil has been reading, at what level and how well they have understood what they have read. A weekly diagnostic report allows teachers to give pupils immediate feedback which will encourage and motivate them to make further progress with their reading.
Lexia
Lexia Core 5 is a web-based reading program for KS3 that provides individualised targeted practice and instructions for pupils. The program includes activities that focus on six components of reading:
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Phonological awareness
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Phonics
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Structural analysis
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Fluency
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Vocabulary
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Comprehension
Lexia PowerUp also provides individualised targeted practice for identified KS4 and Post 16 pupils who require support. This program focuses on,
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Word study
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Grammar
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Comprehension
Detailed reports allow the teacher to monitor pupil progress and plan instruction based on students’ needs.
Salford Reading Test
The Salford Reading Test is carried out at KS3. It is a measure of sentence reading to inform teaching and learning strategies. This test gives reading and comprehension ages allowing teachers to measure progression and identify pupils who may be in need of literacy support.