The Accelerated Curriculum provides tailored support with English Linguistics and Literacy. Lessons offer a structured English language programme and also cover PSHE, and key History and Geography KS3 objectives in an accessible and supportive environment. Many classes are supported by an EAL TA who work with class teachers to provide targeted interventions in reading, phonics, grammar, spelling and handwriting.
Key Stage Three
The Department supports students at KS3 for 14 lessons a week, where the curriculum is broken down into the following strands:
- Grammar and Linguistics
- Phonics and Reading
- Writing
- PSHE lessons
- CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) lessons – History and Geography
- ICT/ Bedrock Vocabulary
Year 7
In Year 7 students use the Eyes Open 1 textbook as a core resource: http://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/secondary/eyes-open
In addition to this, they study a range of classic and contemporary novels selected according to the students’ individual reading levels with the aim of increasing reading confidence and ability as well as creating a love of reading.
Students also receive weekly PSHE lessons, focusing on developing study skills, communication, health and safety and understanding of puberty.
The CLIL sessions focus on four units per year (two Geography units –where students learn about different places on the earth and two History units, in which students discover the Ancient Romans and learn about the Reformation).
Students have a weekly lesson on Bedrock in which they expand their vocabulary through interactive activities.
Every half term, students also complete a cross-curricular project.
Year 8
In Year 8 students use the Eyes Open 2 textbook as their core resource: http://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/secondary/eyes-open
In addition to this, they study a range of classic and contemporary novels selected according to the students’ individual reading levels with the aim of increasing reading confidence and ability as well as creating a love of reading.
Students also receive weekly PSHE lessons focusing on developing a growth mind set, a sense of citizenship and also learning about people who had an impact in the world.
The CLIL sessions focus on four units per year (two Geography units-where students learn about Dark Tourism and Coasts and Oceans and two of History, in which students discover the First World War and The French Revolution).
Students have a weekly lesson on Bedrock Vocabulary in which they expand their vocabulary through interactive activities.
Every half term, students also complete a cross-curricular project.
Year 9
In Year 9 students use the Eyes Open 3 textbook as their core resource: http://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/secondary/eyes-open
In addition to this, they study a range of classic and contemporary novels selected according to the students’ individual reading levels with the aim of increasing reading confidence and ability as well as creating a love of reading.
Students also receive weekly PSHE lessons, focusing health, SRE and moral and ethical dilemmas.
The CLIL sessions focus on four units per year (two Geography units-where students learn about natural disasters and China and two of History in which students discover the Second World War and The Slave Trade).
Students have a weekly lesson on Bedrock Vocabulary in which they expand their vocabulary through interactive activities.
Every half term, students also complete a cross-curricular project.
Key Stage Four
At KS4, English Linguistics (ESOL), Literacy and Numeracy offer support to students who are developing their language and mathematical skills.
Year 10
ESOL – Students use the Compact KEY for Schools textbook for A2 level and Preliminary for Schools textbook for B1 level as their core resources - http://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/cambridge-english-exams-ielts/compact-key-schools/
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/preliminary-for-schools/
Students receive 3 ESOL lessons per week and prepare for the Cambridge KET or PET qualification.
Literacy – Students receive 3 Literacy lessons per week where they develop their use of English language and understanding of grammar. Students also study a range of classic novels to develop their reading confidence and comprehension, supporting them in preparation for GCSEs.
Numeracy – Students receive 3 Numeracy lessons per week where they focus on developing their numeracy skills to support them in preparation for GCSE. Students will begin with a baseline assessment and then be given tailored support throughout the course.
Year 11
ESOL – Students use the Compact KEY for Schools textbook for A2 level and Preliminary for Schools textbook for B1 level as their core resources.- http://www.cambridge.org/gb/cambridgeenglish/catalog/cambridge-english-exams-ielts/compact-key-schools/
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/preliminary-for-schools/
Students receive 3 ESOL lessons per week and are preparing for the Cambridge KET or PET qualification.
Literacy – Students receive 3 Literacy lessons per week where they focus on developing their use of English language and understanding of grammar. Students also study a range of classic novels to develop their reading confidence and comprehension, supporting them in preparation for GCSEs.
Numeracy – Students receive 3 Numeracy lessons per week where they focus on developing their numeracy skills to support them in preparation for GCSE. Students will begin with a baseline assessment and then be given tailored support.
Staffing
The Accelerated Curriculum Teaching Team:
Helena Ground – KS3 Teacher and International Projects Co-ordinator (Speaker of French and German)
Suzanne Hudson- KS3 and KS4 Teacher
The Accelerated Curriculum Support Team:
Rita Butkeviciute – Senior TA (Speaker of Russian and Lithuanian)
InWha Kim – TA (Speaker of Korean)
Samia Khan - TA