English at The Polygon School

Ethos 

Our aim as a department is to ensure that all pupils leave The Polygon School with the core literacy skills needed to read, write and communicate effectively. We strive to ensure that every pupil achieves at least one English qualification during their time with us, enabling them to move forward confidently into further education, training or employment. 

Across both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, pupils study the three key strands of the English curriculum: Reading, Writing and Oracy. We aim to provide an academic, ambitious and engaging curriculum that offers every pupil the opportunity to succeed while equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for their future personal and professional journeys. 

Intent 

Through small class sizes and a personalised approach to teaching, we provide an English curriculum that meets the individual needs of all pupils. Where necessary, we address gaps in prior learning and inspire pupils to achieve their full potential. We embrace assessment and examination preparation, encouraging pupils to begin developing the skills required for GCSE success from Year 8, when they are entered for the AQA Step Up to English Entry Level qualification. 

Literacy assessment data is used to inform teaching and ensure lessons are appropriately scaffolded to meet individual needs. Literacy Gold is used to support the development of literacy skills alongside the delivery of phonics interventions where appropriate. We also maintain a strong whole-school reading culture, encouraging pupils to read regularly and build confidence through reading aloud in lessons. 

As a school, we offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including after-school English Club, Creative Writing Club, spoken-word performances, singing and drama workshops, theatre visits, cinema trips and a variety of educational visits designed to develop creativity, confidence and cultural awareness. 

Key Stage 3 

At the beginning of Year 7, all pupils participate in a daily ten-minute explicit phonics and decoding session. Phonics is taught to provide pupils with a systematic approach to reading, enabling them to connect letters and letter combinations with their corresponding sounds. This supports the development of strong reading, writing and spelling skills that can be applied independently across the curriculum. 

Pupils study a broad range of fiction and non-fiction texts in line with National Curriculum requirements. They learn to develop informed opinions about what they read and analyse the language and structural choices made by writers. Alongside texts from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds, pupils study works from the English Literary Heritage, including Shakespeare and contemporary literature. 

Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils develop confidence in their writing, broaden their vocabulary and improve their ability to organise and structure sentences and extended pieces of work effectively. They also refine essential presentation skills, including accurate punctuation, spelling and grammar. Through reading and writing activities, pupils learn to understand audience and purpose and adapt their language and style for different contexts. 

Key Stage 4 

English is a core subject at Key Stage 4, and pupils follow the Edexcel International GCSE (iGCSE) English Language specification. The qualification is assessed through two examinations: 

1. Paper 1: Non-Fiction Texts and Transactional Writing 

2. Paper 2: Poetry and Prose Texts and Imaginative Writing 

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable pupils to: 

• Read a wide range of texts fluently and with secure understanding. 

• Read critically and use knowledge gained from reading to improve their own writing. 

• Write effectively and coherently using Standard English appropriately. 

• Use grammar, punctuation and spelling accurately. 

• Develop and apply a broad vocabulary alongside an understanding of grammatical terminology and linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language. 

Qualifications 

AQA Step Up to English (Entry Levels 1 and 2) 

From Year 8, pupils are entered for the AQA Step Up to English qualification, providing the opportunity to achieve either a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification while developing the skills needed for further study. 

Edexcel iGCSE English Language 

From Years 10 to 11, pupils work towards the Edexcel iGCSE English Language qualification. 

Implementation 

From Year 8 onwards, pupils complete an initial assessment at the start of each topic to identify current strengths and areas for development. This is followed by a sequence of carefully scaffolded lessons designed to build the necessary knowledge and skills before a final assessment at the end of each half-term. 

In preparation for examinations, pupils complete a range of past papers to familiarise themselves with examination formats and question styles. This helps them develop confidence, understand key command words and examination vocabulary, and become more secure in responding to different question types. 

Lessons are carefully planned to be engaging, motivating and accessible, with a variety of short, purposeful activities taking place both inside and outside the classroom. Individual support is provided where necessary, and learning is differentiated to meet the needs of all pupils. Technology is also used to support extended writing tasks, providing visual aids, inspiration and opportunities for independent learning. 

All pupils are challenged and supported to achieve their full potential. Weekly after-school clubs and a range of enrichment activities further enhance learning and broaden pupils' understanding of the wider world. 

Impact 

As a department, we are committed to preparing pupils thoroughly for their iGCSE examinations, supporting them to achieve a Grade 4 or above wherever possible. Beginning examination preparation in Year 8 allows pupils to become familiar with assessment expectations, build confidence and reduce examination anxiety. 

Where appropriate, pupils may be entered for examinations early, providing them with multiple opportunities to achieve success. Over recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of pupils attaining higher grades, particularly within iGCSE English Language, reflecting the positive impact of our curriculum and teaching approach.