At the heart of the English curriculum at St Olave’s is reading.
Throughout their five years here all pupils have a dedicated weekly library session purely for encouraging reading for pleasure; they learn to appreciate a range of literature and gradually develop personal taste. They discuss novels, recommend titles to one another and are encouraged to branch out and try new and exciting literature as it hits our library shelves on a weekly basis. In addition to this, class readers are encouraged in Years 4 and 5 exposing children to new authors and supporting them in comprehension, inference and prediction skills.
Written tasks are designed to complement the chosen literature, whilst ensuring a wide range of appropriate writing genre are taught and revisited during the five years at St Olave’s. Emphasis is on teaching pupils how to write effectively, using presentational features and language appropriate to the audience. A fundamental aspect of writing is the editing process and, throughout St Olave’s, pupils learn that their ‘best’ work is unlikely to be their first draft. From Year 4 onwards pupils evaluate their own work and comment on the work of others; they do this with increasing skill during their time here.
Spelling, handwriting and grammar are also valued as key elements of the English curriculum. In J4 a discreet grammar lesson is taught. These skills are then embedded in real writing tasks within the scheme of work.
At Key Stage 3 we look ahead into the requirements for iGCSE. Before our pupils embark upon that course, we aim to give them breadth of study with a constantly updated curriculum that supports tradition coupled with modern literature. Years 7 and 8 pupils study a Shakespearian text, with a trip to The Globe forming part of this early Shakespeare experience. In addition to this Y7 and 8 explore a range of poetry and novels. Theatre opportunities are taken whenever relevant so that pupils can see work on stage, enhancing understanding. In addition to this the school works in partnership with The Theatre Royal in York and each class takes part in a bespoke workshop, linked to their English studies.
English is a compulsory subject. Our overriding aim is that pupils grow to enjoy English and leave St Olave’s with the knowledge that they can form personal responses to literature, grounded in clear understanding and to have the ability to write for a range of audiences.
Curriculum
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Christmas |
Easter |
Summer |
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J1 |
Family poetry writing Persuasive letters Story openings Class novel – link to history ‘Invasion’ Free writing |
Winter poetry Class novel – ‘Spiderwick Chronicles’ Descriptive monster writing Travel/ holiday brochure Afternoon tea for parents |
Christophe’s story (novel) Oral storytelling – drama J1 play Letter writing to new pupils. Instructional writing |
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J2 |
Diary extracts Story writing – Mr Men stories Play scripts Class novel |
Non-chronological reports: explanation Newspaper report writing Adverts Class novel Theatre day workshop |
Kate Greenaway shadowing scheme – comparative writing Descriptive writing Class novel |
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J3 |
Biography/autobiography written and spoken Story writing – ghost theme (theatre day workshop) |
Formal and informal letters Discussion writing Class novel – Al Capone does my shirts |
Creation of a pirate character- descriptive writing Play script writing and performing |
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J4 |
Grammar and descriptive writing unit Class novel – I am Malala Survivor themed analysis Review writing – focus on audience and tone Participation in Asthetica Film Festival |
Shakespeare: Mid-Summer Night’s Dream Analysis of character (PEE) Report writing on Globe theatre/ modern theatre Historical fiction story London visit – Globe and West End show. |
Research, writing and delivery of formal speech Analysis of theme from novel |
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J5 |
Grammar in poetry unit Detective fiction study Gothic writing (300 words) Analytical writing on novel Poetry and prose comprehension skills |
Shakespeare study: The Tempest Writing sonnets Character analysis and writing in role. Essay based on play Poetry comprehension |
Dystopian literature study Class novella Enterprise project – linked with DT |
In addition
- Comprehension in all terms, in all year groups.
- Handwriting focus in J1 and J2.
- Spelling formally taught in differentiated groups in J1 and 2, with additional staff.
- Booster programmes for targeted intervention
- Guided reading taught in mixed ability classes.