English KS3

Students are taught in mixed ability teaching groups upon arrival in Year Seven, but shortly after are placed in ability-based sets. These are formed after reference has been made to KS2 data and partner school information, coupled with supportive testing in the form of cognitive ability tests and spelling and reading assessments. Such care to detail enables the specific literacy needs of all students to be addressed.

Having identified individual needs, students are supported in several ways, both within the curriculum area and by both the Learning Support team and the Learning Communities. These come in the form of "The Writing Challenge " which involves student support by Year Ten mentors; reading with Year Ten and Eleven mentors; booster classes in Year Nine for those identified as requiring support; and teaching assistant provision and individual reading guidance provided by teaching staff.

The Key Stage Three tests are taken by students in Year Nine and follow the national pattern as set. Tests include assessment in reading and writing and also include examination responses to a Shakespearean text. As part of the study for this element we ensure that all students have the opportunity to view a production of the set text as outlined above.

Whilst the assessments are of significance, they are not the sole focus of a student's work. Poetry, drama, the novel and media form the basis for our studies and various types of writing are taught, such as narrative, persuasive, argumentative, descriptive and informative. Our aim is to promote both technical competence in literacy skills and to enliven the students' experience through literature and creativity. One such scheme of work is that taken in Year Seven which is based around Charles Causley's poem "The Ballad of Charlotte Dymond". Students experience a visit to Bodmin Gaol and Shire Hall to see a re-enactment of Matthew Weeks' trial. This is followed by various activities, including drama presentations and the opportunity to explore the documented case of Charlotte's untimely death.