The 6-week oracy programme for years 9 and 10 is designed to improve students’ speaking skills and prepare them for their GCSE English speaking and listening exam in year 10. Students are supported through the process of researching, writing and performing a speech in front of a small group of peers. They develop their skills in the following areas: reasoning and evidence, organisation and prioritisation, listening and response, and expression and delivery.
During term 5 2021, 93% of oracy students improved their grade based on the GCSE English speaking and listening assessment criteria.
During this 12-week course, students in years 8 and 9 revisit the rules of English grammar, punctuation, and syntax in order to improve their writing fluency. Developing these skills is essential for achieving their full potential in their written exams and coursework.
During term 5 2021, 74% of students showed significant improvement in their writing skills.
Phonics is delivered to small groups of students in years 7 and 8 who require extra support with their reading and spelling. It involves matching the sounds of spoken English with individual letters and groups of letters to develop “phonological awareness” (the ability to recognise, process and pronounce the sounds of spoken English). This helps students to decode unfamiliar words by sounding them out.
During 2021, just under 40% students had improved their scores in their GL reading and spelling assessments at the mid-point of the course.