Robert Clack School

AREAS

Prospectus

English

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3 the students follow a broad and balanced syllabus that relates directly to the requirements of the National Curriculum.

Speaking and Listening

Pupils develop their speaking and listening skills both individually and in groups. They take part in discussion work as well as engaging in improvisations and role play.

Reading

Pupils read widely from a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, which may include newspaper extracts, autobiographies, diaries, poetry, prose and drama and at least one play by Shakespeare.

Writing

Pupils will write in various ways including narrative, discursive essays, diary entries, letters and newspaper reports. Both technical accuracy and creativity are emphasised and pupils are encouraged to develop their skills in spelling.

Handwriting and Presentation

Emphasis is placed on legible, fluent handwriting and neat presentation.

Key Stage 4

At Key Stage 4 the students follow a broad and balanced curriculum that relates to both the G.C.S.E. syllabus and the National Curriculum.

Speaking and Listening

The students have the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills through a variety of classroom activities. Twenty percent of the final English G.C.S.E. marks are awarded for this aspect of the course.

Reading

Students read widely from a range of texts. During the course they complete one coursework unit based upon the study of a Shakespeare play.

Writing

Students are provided with opportunities to write in a variety of ways and for a variety of audiences. Both technical accuracy and creativity are emphasised.

Handwriting and Presentation

Emphasis is placed on legible, fluent handwriting and neat presentation.

How do we identify gifted students?

We aim to identify the individual learning needs of all our students and deliver suitably differentiated lessons that meet and challenge those needs. We identify students who have exceptional ability by examining data on entry to the school, national assessment data and continuous assessment throughout Key Stage 3. Classroom teachers identify gifted students through a range of criteria including insightful spoken analysis, flair in creative writing and advanced reading ability identified through the Accelerated Reading Programme.

gifted and talented pupils in english

How are gifted students supported in English?

The English Department strives to meet the needs of these students in a variety of ways:

Delivering lessons that are challenging and varied in format and style;

Choosing challenging literature for class study and recommending literature for students’ independent reading;

Promoting the importance of independent reading;

Through constructive and formative marking;

Celebrating and rewarding high achievement in the form of Departmental awards and letters home;

Providing extra support both inside and outside of the classroom;

Issuing within-class extension tasks;

Entering students work in writing competitions locally and in national competitions;
Sharing good practice;

Taking advantage of INSET opportunities to keep abreast of current developments in teaching and learning for gifted and talented;

All staff keep abreast of current literature that will inform curriculum provision for the gifted and talented;

Extra curricular clubs including Drama Club and Newspaper Club

Opportunities to attend the theatre and watch plays designed to extend and stimulate discussion

What can gifted students do to pursue their interest in English?

Gifted students are encouraged to make the most of a wide variety of opportunities offered by the Department including the numerous theatre visits organised throughout the year by Mr Hopkins. Pupils should try to take advantage of the not only the School Library but also join a public library. Refer to the student notice board for most popular reads at Key Stage 3 which is updated monthly. Students should ensure that they are reading challenging literature suitable for their ability; recommendations are available from all members of the English Department. Finally, try to join at least one of the clubs the department runs.

Media Studies at Robert Clack School

The curriculum is outstanding and meets the needs of students extremely well. A wide range of vocational courses and work-related opportunities at Key Stage 4 offer helpful pathways into training and employment. Provision for personal, health, social and citizenship education is excellent and supports students' personal development successfully as well as providing exciting opportunities for developing enterprise and work-related skills.