The Holy Family English Department
We offer: Parents/carers can: Securing Success
A broad and rich curriculum in all key stages, giving equal status to language and literature. This is based on carefully constructed schemes of learning which follow the requirements of the National Curriculum and the National Literacy Strategy, whilst also offering enrichment opportunities such as the BBC News School Report Project.
Why study English?
English equips us for life! In any field our students may choose to pursue later on in life, they will realize that the skills learned in English will be required. Communicating clearly and accurately with others both orally and in writing; reading and engaging with different types of texts; developing thinking skills are required in all walks of life.
Whether you plan to be a scientist, a journalist, a member of the legal profession, or doctor, you will find the skills you acquire in GCSE English Language and English Literature essential. Throughout the course, you will be taken into the world created by talented authors; playwrights and poets; given the opportunity to debate controversial topics,
• Offer support by discussing current events and the way that they are reported in the media. Some ideas are: reading a quality newspaper together or viewing a current affairs programme or documentary. These are useful exercises as the final examination tests the candidate’s ability to read media texts and to assess their bias.
• Set guidelines for learning at home by encouraging children to dedicate the appropriate time and care to the tasks set.
• Help children to read widely and can discuss the chosen books with them.
• Encourage children to take advantage of the visits offered by the school. Taking children to the theatre, cinema or to museums is beneficial as all cultural visits are a valuable means of extending the experience of young people.
• Ensure that children have access to a good dictionary and thesaurus.
• Encourage children to visit the public library regularly.
• Ensure that children attend lessons with appropriate writing and study materials.
• Encourage children to seek extra help when they need it.
Pupils will be encouraged to achieve the best for themselves and will be given clear guidance on what they need to do to succeed in English. It is our aim to help our students to meet and where possible to exceed expectations. Therefore, where a student is not performing to his/her expected standard this will be discussed and appropriate action taken to improve the situation.