English is taught for 4 lessons a week until year 8 then for 3 lessons a week, plus a dedicated reading lesson in year 9 and KS4. In English, pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum that enables them to develop their confidence, independence and ability in all areas of literacy. Each unit is planned to ensure coverage of a wide variety of genres allowing pupils to experience a range of text types through reading, writing and speaking and listening opportunities. At Soundwell Academy we aim to use rich and varied texts to help pupils develop their vocabulary, word and sentence level understanding, communication and reading skills and develop a love of reading. Throughout each unit, a focus on communication and interaction skills as well as embedding the key literacy skills of writing and reading is paramount.  

At KS2 and KS3 we encourage the use of IT where possible so that pupils can word process their work or carry out research.  We also help our young people develop their spoken communication by encouraging discussion in class, with the aim of becoming more confident and being ready to take part in more formal assessments in KS4.  

Throughout all stages, assessments are in place to identify gaps in learning and fundamental skills. This includes half-termly phonics assessments bi-annual reading and spelling age assessments.