Key Stage 3 (Years 7 & 8)

 Schemes of Work are designed to give students a broad and balanced programme of language work, and, more specifically, to prepare students for National Curriculum tests in English. All students have the opportunity to analyse poetry, prose texts and works from different cultures, to participate in play-reading and to enhance all aspects of speaking, listening, reading and writing throughout Years 7 and 8. The study of Shakespeare is focused on with each year group as the National Curriculum test in Year 9 includes the reading of a set Shakespeare play.

All students in Year 7 and 8 follow a drama course designed to improve group collaboration skills, build confidence and enhance listening skills. Similarly, all students in the Key Stage have access to the English ICT suite to hone ICT skills and follow a specialist Scheme of Work adapted to the English Curriculum. All students are entered for the Year 7 and 8 Optional Tests and the Year 9 National Curriculum tests.

Results have been consistently good – in 2003, 75% of students gained Level 5 or above; 42% of students gained Level 6 or above. In 2004, 83% of students gained Level 5 or above; 40% of students gained Level 6 or above. In 2005, 83% of students gained Level 5 or above; 37% of students gained Level 6 or above.In 2006, 81% of students gained Level 5 or above; 29% of students gained Level 6 or above. In 2007, 86% of students gained Level 5 or above; 30% of students gained Level 6 or above.