Students are taught in ability groups in Year 7 and in mixed ability in Years 8 and 9. In Year 7, there is an English progress group, to enable weaker students to improve their skills as quickly as possible. Students entering the school on level 3 are taught in a group with an additional member of staff to ensure rapid progress and when/where necessary follow a new phonics programme designed to close any learning gaps.

All pupils follow a carefully arranged teaching programme in line with the new key stage 3 curriculum. The units include a wide range of challenging activities designed to teach students the necessary skills to prepare them for GCSE. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of continuing to develop students’ knowledge and use of writing skills such as: sentence structure, punctuation, grammar and writing organisation as well as encouraging creativity and enjoyment of language. Students at key stage 3 have a library lesson once a fortnight providing them with the opportunity to read a wide range of texts, developing their knowledge of the literary canon whilst and encouraging them to read for pleasure.  

Each year’s programme is arranged into five core units, designed to develop both reading and writing skills, providing regular study of:

• Modern and Classic Fiction

• Pre and Post 1914 Poetry

• Non- fiction texts

• Modern and Classic Drama.

Year 7 begin the year with a transition unit, designed in conjunction with primary school teachers to ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school. Year 9 follow a programme designed to prepare them for the rigour of GCSE and examinations