English

English is a vital subject that develops and enhances skills which are essential to success in the modern world

At Freebrough, the Faculty is made up of enthusiastic and creative teachers who ensure that every English lesson is engaging and dynamic so that all students, irrespective of their differing starting points, are supported to make outstanding progress.  All English lessons at Freebrough follow the TEEP model which promotes accelerated learning through both key stages.

The English faculty consists of 7 English teachers and a Media Technician. Two members of the faculty are Senior Leaders who are both qualified as Advanced Skills Teachers. All members of the team are Level 1 TEEP trained, five are Level 2 trained and one member of the team is embarking on Level 3 training. In addition, two members of the English faculty are experienced examiners for AQA GCSE and Cambridge iGCSE qualifications.

Students are offered a wide and varied curriculum which allows each individual to make accelerated progress, developing and expanding their skills in the key areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Alongside this, we also offer a growing range of enrichment opportunities including entries into national competitions and book clubs.

Students’ learning is based upon themed topics that ensure all students develop the skills required to be successful in English; in reading, students are taught a full range of skills from inference and deduction to sustained evaluation of a writer’s use of language; when writing, students are given opportunities to write a range of text types for different audiences and purposes, using accurate spelling, grammar and punctuation; in speaking and listening, students develop key skills that allow them to be clear, convincing and effective communicators.  Regular teacher and self-assessment promotes students’ ability to understand what they need to do in order to improve.  Homework supports students to learn independently.   At key stage 3 students are expected to complete reading and writing tasks every week.

Year 7 Themes

Inventions

Horror

New Beginnings

Heroes

Fairy Tales

Childhood

Year 8 Themes

Childhood

Poverty

Motivation and Power

Crime and Punishment

Travel

Aspirations and Underdogs

Year 9 Themes

Aspirations and Underdogs

War and Conflict

Supernatural Forces

Survival

Identity

Hopes and Dreams

All students at Freebrough Academy study for GCSEs in English Language and English Literature.  We follow the Cambridge IGCSE Language course and the EDEXCEL Certificate in English Literature.

For English Language students complete a range of work that includes:

*Portfolio of written coursework (worth 40% of the final mark)

*Speaking and listening assessment (worth 20% of the final mark)

*Written examination (worth 40% of the final mark)

In English Literature students study:

*Two whole texts – Of Mice and Men and An Inspector Calls

*A collection of 16 poems

*A range of unseen poetry and prose

Students complete two final examinations which complete their English Literature qualification.

In both Language and Literature, students explore their own creativity and authors’ use of language. Analysis and discussion of themes, symbols and techniques allow students to respond with enthusiasm and confidence.

As with Key Stage 3, TEEP lessons at Key Stage 4 promote both independent and collaborative learning which prepare students for their final assessments. English conferences and study days during the holidays have proven to be enjoyable and successful experiences here at Freebrough Academy and have contributed to our 82% Grade C or above result in 2014.

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 As part of our continuing focus on literacy and improving the reading ages of all of our students we are continually seeking new, exciting ways to engage students in reading.

Mrs Hinds, Learning Resource Centre Manager, tells us more: “Freebrough is committed to increasing the standards of literacy within the academy so that our students achieve the very best results at GCSE level and beyond.  To help us to do this we have purchased a full class set of kindles.  These are used alongside our vast library of books to encourage students to enjoy reading and participate in the accelerated reading programme the Academy currently runs. The kindles are used during literacy lessons and we are hoping to allow students to loan them out to take home. We are always looking for new ways to allow students to access the curriculum to a higher level and we see this as a possible way to use today’s technology to appeal to students and encourage reading.”

The accelerated reading programme encourages students to not only read the text but also to understand the meaning of it.  Students choose from a selection of books aimed at their reading age.  They then take the book away to read at home or during tutorial time.  When they are confident that they have understood what they have read they take a computerised quiz, with students who score well and achieve their targets receiving Vivo Points as a reward.  Vivo Points are also given to students for good work, good manners, attending enrichment activities and good quality homework.  They can be collected by the students and spent on a range of treats.