Join Westgate's Samba Band to explore rhythm, teamwork, and fun. Samba Band Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Samba Band Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Samba Band is a musical ensemble that plays exciting, vibrant and energetic music, and is open to any pupil. All the players learn their parts aurally and will often use words to help them memorise the rhythms. These rhythms are layered on top of each other to create a polyrhythmic texture. The rhythm section of a Samba Band, consisting of Drums, is known as a bateria . Samba music is always performed with lots of percussion instruments, and each member of the ensemble has a specific role, often involving the layering of different rhythm s following a series of signals from the lead repinique player. The signals are often played on a whistle called the apito. The Samba Band performs at various events throughout the year, both in school, such as concerts, Open events, Induction evenings, PSA events, and ''Go West' Festival, to wider community events such as leading the Hat Fair in Winchester in the Summer, and performing on the high street. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Find key exam information for The Westgate School, including schedules, guidance and support to help pupils prepare confidently for upcoming assessments. Exam Information Examinations at The Westgate School The school uses a wide range of assessment techniques to monitor pupil progress and help ensure all children continue to move forwards with their learning. In addition to classroom-based assessment and tests, at key times throughout their secondary school journey pupils will take more formal mock examinations - these are a vital way of preparing pupils for what they will experience in their real GCSEs. They help children develop their revision skills; their time management; their emotional resilience within exam conditions; as well as their exam technique - and they provide teachers will invaluable information which we use to inform our curriculum planning in the months leading up to the GCSE exams. Pupils will sit formal mock examinations in: The summer term of Year 10 (after the Year 11 GCSEs are finished) The autumn term of Year 11 (a few weeks before the Christmas holidays) February of Year 11 for English, Maths and Science only Exact timetables will be published to pupils in the build-up to each exam series and can be found below. Tutors and colleagues within school will work with pupils to reassure, support and prepare them for these mock examinations, and parents will be provided with information in our Partners in Learning events throughout the year. Attendance at exams Attendance is vital in this last year. Every day missed has an effect and poor attendance clearly affects results. Even more important is ensuring that pupils attend all examinations and arrive in good time to ensure that they are mentally prepared to walk into their exams and achieve their best. We work closely with our Attendance Manager, and penalty issues may be issued, should attendance be poor. Revision It is vital that you help and support your child plan and structure revision time, ensuring the build-up to both Mock exams and the real GCSEs is used effectively. There are additional resources on how parents can support their child with revision on EduLink, in the Noticeboard tab. Work and wellbeing Year 11 can be a stressful year as pupils prepare for their examinations. We follow a programme in Tutor time which tries to anticipate possible issues in terms of stress. Possible helpful site: anxietyuk.org.uk - exam-stress Exam Dates 2025-26 GCSE Timetable Summer 2026 AI Poster Coursework assessments Guidance for parents, carers and students about access arrangements Information for Candidates | Privacy Notice Non-examination assessments On-screen tests Preparing to sit your exams Using social media and examinations/assessments Unauthorised items poster Written examinations Warning to candidates Home Parents & Pupils School Teaching Hours Exam Information Edulink PSA Pupil Portal School Uniform Authorised Absence Request Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Senior School Council Parent Information Army Cadet Detachment

Creative Writing Club where all are welcome. There will be fun activities every week. Creative Writing Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Creative Writing Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Creative Writing Club - all welcome. There will be fun activities every week. And biscuits! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Latin Opening a dozen different doors to understanding the language of academic and the influence of the Roman Empire on modern European society Go Go At The Westgate School, our Latin Curriculum intends to: Enable pupils to understand the significant influence Roman culture had on European society and languages and especially English. Enable pupils to explore the etymology of the English language and its significant links to Latin. Broaden pupils' use of English academic vocabulary. Enable pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of the Roman world through reading and responding to its literature. Why learn Latin? Latin (within the English curriculum) provides a foundation in linguistic and cultural competence, enabling pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of the Roman world through reading and responding to its language and literature. In studying Latin we discover the roots of culture and language which shape Europe today. We analyse texts and stories in Latin to build knowledge and understanding of Latin vocabulary and grammar and we use sources in order to consider aspects of the fascinating and enthralling civilisation of the Roman world and culture. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Latin is not taught within our school in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards. Latin is not taught within our school in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards. Latin does not exist as a discrete course in Key Stage 3. However, we are increasingly introducing aspects of Latin into our English structures. What and how will I learn? In Year 9 pupils will be introduced to the Latin language and learn key words and be able to link the etymology of the language to English and also other modern languages. This new vocabulary is taught in a range of engaging and exciting ways and pupils thoroughly enjoy making links between Latin and other languages they are studying. For example, pupils will be challenged through the translation work, while learning the structures of the language. Alongside learning the Latin language, we will also study key facets of the Roman Civilisation. This will include: Roman family life including the Paterfamilias; the role of women and children in ancient Rome; discussing the morality of slavery and arranged marriages. When discussing these aspects of Roman life, we will link the experiences of the past to our modern lives and reflect on their impact. How will this be assessed in GCSE? The GCSE examination in Year 11 will consist of 1 Language paper (50%), 1 Literature paper (30%) and 1 Roman Civilisation paper (20%). Exam Board: (Eduqas) – C990PB Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent The Westgate School’s curriculum reflects two principles: firstly, acquisition – where pupils are taught to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills in each subject domain in order to apply this learning to new situations; and secondly, participation – that pupils need to develop the skills to engage positively in different situations. In doing so, pupils further their learning and sense of belonging. In some subjects, such as Science, the emphasis lies more heavily on the acquisition of knowledge whereas in a subject such as Drama, the skills of participation predominate. In every lesson we expect adults to consider how best to facilitate pupils’ active participation in their learning – including “thinking hard” – and, to use the school’s core approach to teaching and learning so that pupils experience a coherent learning journey. In every subject, leaders are designing and evolving their curricula based on the golden threads of learning from Year R to Year 11 in their particular domain. Planning is based on clear objectives, using misconceptions as opportunities for rich learning, and facilitating greater depth in pupils’ knowledge rather than greater curriculum coverage. The specified curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and KS4 syllabi however, The Westgate School believes strongly in ensuring that the ‘hidden curriculum’ – how pupils learn about themselves and society in the way that we organise ourselves as a school – has a positive impact on the individual child. We strongly believe that access to cultural capital is an entitlement of every pupil, and we are regularly reviewing our curriculum to increase opportunities to access learning about different cultures and diversity. We also have a specified ‘Well-being Curriculum’, which sets out the universal provision for all pupils, and we are developing our practice to facilitate even greater inclusion in extra-curricular provision in school. Moreover, as part of our ongoing learning, we involve pupils proactively in curriculum development through our received curriculum reviews and our pupil leadership groups. At The Westgate School our curriculum is not intended to lead learners to fulfil their potential: our intention is to unlock the individual’s potential and to equip them with the knowledge and skills to be able to learn in different situations throughout their lives. Our teaching is inclusive using a whole class approach. Teachers use fluid, peel away groups: “Master Classes” for support and extension as needed. A Community of Learning... Being a high achieving, successful learning community only happens as a result of genuine collaboration. Every young person is unique and so we seek to provide a range of different learning opportunities in which every individual can excel. The Early Years Foundation Stage is framed around the characteristics of effective learning: Playing | Exploring active learning | Creating | Thinking critically These provide a foundation for learning upon which our curriculum in the Lower and Upper Schools are built. Our central purpose is for children to develop into young people who are happy and effective learners. We achieve this by being a community of learning where adults and pupils alike are committed to this central aim and work in strong partnership with parents to inspire success for all. Adults working with children and young people in our school community use a process of observation, assessment and planning to identify the learning and developmental needs of each child. Alongside knowledge of children’s interests, we plan opportunities for learning that are stimulating and engaging, leading to strong progress right from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 11. In addition to the specified curriculum, pupils at The Westgate School will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that enhance and enrich the curriculum. The all-through setting provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn from their peers and through the teaching of younger pupils. This powerful model for learning is one that permeates our culture and further enriches the community of learning. ...Achieving Excellence. Based on the principles of a growth mindset, the practice of teaching and learning at The Westgate School encourages children and young people to be led by their curiosity and to be prepared to use mistakes as the best opportunities for learning. This begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage where pupils are encouraged to make decisions about how to do things, to explain their thinking and to be resilient in their efforts. This theme continues through our practice in the Lower and Upper Schools where teaching colleagues will encourage pupils to verbalise their decision making process, explaining how they reached a particular conclusion or why they chose a specific method for doing something in order that they gain even better control over their learning and can apply skills to new situations. A golden thread throughout learning in all subjects and stages at The Westgate School is the development of Literacy and Mathematical skills which are a foundation for learning in all disciplines and lead to strong outcomes at examination level and for post-16 learning. At The Westgate School, we believe that through our exemplary partnerships with parents and young people, we can inspire a love of learning - something that is intrinsically linked to the development of individual self-esteem and motivation. In our school, there is no separation between our commitment to academic success and the well-being of the children and young people in our community. Compliance with regulatory acts Our curriculum complies within the duties of the the statutory Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice (2015) and the following legislation: Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014, which sets out schools’ responsibilities for pupils with SEN and disabilities and The Equality Act 2010, with particular reference to Part 6 “Education” We strive for High Quality Inclusive Teaching within our classes and for all pupils to access a broad and balanced curriculum. When deciding whether special educational provision is required, we will start with the desired outcomes, including a variety of assessments of the pupil’s progress and attainment, the views and wishes of the pupil and their parents, and information from other agencies. Please refer to our SEN Information report for further details Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

The Jazz Band is open to intermediate to advanced Saxophones, Trumpets/Cornets, Trombone players and Kit Drummers. Jazz Ensemble Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Jazz Ensemble Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The Jazz Band is open to intermediate to advanced players of Saxophones, Trumpets/Cornets, Trombones and Kit Drums.  The ensemble will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Musicians will have the opportunity play a variety of music from 'Cool Dude' learning about the Blues scale, traditional Jazz, such as 'All of Me', to Big Band features, such as 'American Patrol', through to more contemporary music, such as 'Moondance' or 'Blues Brothers'. The Jazz Band will participate in events such as school concerts, celebrations, ‘Go West’ Festival, and wider community events. The ensemble will be ideally suited to musicians interested in Jazz , Big Band, Dance Band and Pop music. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers running this ensemble. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

The ensemble will help develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills in the rehearsals. Recorder Group Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Recorder Group Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 Contact See EduLink for further details The Recorder Group is open to all Year 7 enthusiastic players. The ensemble will help develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills in the rehearsals, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Playing a range of music from the Classics to Pop. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, celebrations, ‘Go West’ Festival, open mornings and evenings, and community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music Teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join our Netball Club for fun, fitness, and teamwork. All skill levels welcome. Come play with us! Netball Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Netball Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Join us at Netball club for fun and to improve your fitness, coordination and teamwork skills. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Date Posted 2024-12-19T00:00 Joining Our Team Why Work at The Westgate School? “Employees are incredibly proud to work at this school” (Ofsted, 2023) Working in any place where one is not aligned with the culture is a miserable experience, so we are transparent with all colleagues about what it means to join our team. We believe that the success of our pupils is intrinsically linked to that of adults in our school: everybody matters. We pride ourselves on our collegiate team culture in which ideas are shared unselfishly, problems acknowledged without fear and everything we do is in the spirit of professional generosity. Regardless of job title, every colleague is entitled to be treated with kindness and respect. The Westgate Team: Learning Together – Achieving Excellence “The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community” (Ofsted, 2022) "I am very proud to work at such a fantastic school where all teachers strive for the best for the pupils" (Staff survey, 2021) Benefits of working at The Westgate School We will provide you with: · The opportunity for role specific, professional development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment; · The support of experienced and highly motivated colleagues across all Key Stages (EYFS to KS4); · Preferential nursery places at Rotherly Day Nursery (on-site) at a reduced price; · Free on-site parking; · Access to Schools Mutual Well-being support lines and app, including physiotherapy, counselling, GP service and menopause support; · Free use of on-site health and fitness facilities; · Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children after two years of employment; · (For support colleagues) Automatic enrolment in Local Government Pension Scheme (opt-out is available). The Westgate School is located in an easily accessible area of Winchester, close to the railway station. View our contact page for more information on how to contact/find us. Westgate Well-Being Charter As a school, we have invested in developing a Well-Being Charter for colleagues. This includes our commitment to having a strong dialogue about work-life balance, removing unnecessary workload, provision of good resources, equipment and working environment for all. At the heart of our community is a culture of partnership decision making, professional learning and collective responsibility. This Well-Being Charter is complimented by our membership of Schools Mutual Well-being support which provides a range of support services to all colleagues, including physiotherapy, counselling and menopause support. We hope that you will apply to join us in the near future. If you would like to know more information, please see our website or contact recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk . Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

Join the karate club to learn self-defense, improve fitness, and build discipline! Open to all levels. USKO Karate South Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings USKO Karate South Internal / External External Age Range Year 1 - 6 Contact rach.hobday@hotmail.co.uk USKO Karate South have run a very successful, and often full with a waiting list, karate club at The Westgate Lower School for seven years now. We have a few spaces currently available from the autumn as the current year 6s move on to our senior classes. Due to the popularity, we have two mixed age classes for lower school children, on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 8am. The classes are taught by Andy and Rachel Hobday. Andy has been teaching karate in Hampshire for the last 35 years and Rachel, a former Primary school teacher in Hampshire, has been teaching karate for the past 13 years. At our classes children learn karate line work skills, katas (sequences to learn off by heart), bag work techniques and basic sparring techniques. Children will have the opportunity to put their skills to the test when grading in order to earn new coloured belts, with the ultimate being black belt! If you would like to book a free taster session (subject to availability) please email rach.hobday@hotmail.co.uk as soon as possible. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Sign up to barracudas for holiday childcare at The Wesgtate School, Winchester Barracudas Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Barracudas Internal / External External Age Range 4½ to 14 Contact Kids Activity Camp In Winchester | Holiday Club In Winchester | Barracudas Barracudas camps provide exceptional school holiday childcare for 4½ to 14 year olds. With unrivalled activities and fantastic facilities, we offer great value for money at our activity day camps. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

English Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual Go Go Our English Curriculum intends to: Instil in pupils a passion for literature and a life-long love of reading. Teach pupils to become critical, analytical and evaluative readers of fiction and non-fiction. Enable pupils to craft language so that they become convincing writers, able to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes. Ensure that pupils are effective communicators in spoken English. Why learn English? English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. Our English course will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and, through their listening and reading, others can communicate with them. With reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Literature plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society: pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised. The curriculum is taught as an integrated course combining the study of language and literature, which continues in Years 9 -11. Our vision is that from Reception Year onwards, all pupils develop a passion and enthusiasm for English through exploring and appreciating a range of texts, both literary and non-fiction, and learn how to craft language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Writing For EYFS/Key Stage 1 ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ begins with our youngest children, joining us in Reception. Writing begins with meaningful mark making, such as first attempts to write a shopping list, to writing their name. As they settle into Reception, children learn correct letter formation following 'Letter Join' handwriting sequence resources and are encouraged to write purposefully and clearly to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Following a rich and diverse text driven curriculum, children are inspired to write and enjoy opportunities for planning, drafting and reviewing. Oracy is a vital part of our Early Years Curriculum, and our children develop confident skills to become assured and articulate speakers. Through circle times and sharing their interests in key person groupings all children are supported to practise and develop formal and informal speaking skills. Children are also taught to understand the benefits of being sensitive, observant and attentive listeners. During Year 1 our carefully planned foundations of learning from EYFS are strengthened and refined. Handwriting skills develop and children are taught to progress letter formation into the beginnings of a cursive script. Children are taught a wide variety of writing skills such as: the art of letter writing, recount and instructional writing. ‘Talk for writing’ creates exciting narratives and figurative poetry. During Year 2 children begin to write more cohesively using a wider range of conjunctions and are expected to write with a greater stamina. Our text driven curriculum is thoughtfully planned to ensure children continue to develop a rich and varied vocabulary and understand that texts are set out in different ways for different purposes. Oracy skills are built upon, and children feel confident challenging each other and putting forward their point of view whilst accepting that others may think differently. Throughout KS1 and in reception, learning is assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’ highlighters. Children are clear and confident to articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Children are also taught how to begin to edit their own writing. Phonics and Reading Schemes For Key Stage 1 Little Wandle Letters and Sounds - Phonics. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised as our phonics and early reading programme. Little Wandle is a complete, systematic synthetic phonics programme and has been designed to ensure that all children become confident, fluent readers who develop a lifelong love of reading. What is phonics? Phonics is the method we use to teach children how to read and write. Children learn that letters represent sounds and are taught how to blend these sounds together to read words and segment them to spell words. Through Little Wandle, children are taught phonics every day in a session lasting 20-30 minutes. Children are taught the five phases of Little Wandle phonics during Reception and Year 1. They are fully supported to learn: new sounds and letter patterns in a clear sequence. how to blend sounds to read words accurately. how to read and spell words with increasing confidence. strategies to develop fluency, comprehension and enjoyment of reading. Reading Books In KS1 your child will bring home three Reading books and three bookmarks: I Read - A fully decodable book to read over the weekend with you. This book matches the phonics they have been taught, has been read by your child 3 times during the week with an adult and is carefully matched to their current reading ability in order to experience success and build confidence. We Read - A sharing book for you to enjoy together at home. This book may be more challenging and is intended to be read and discussed with the support of another person at home. Family Read - A library book, your child has selected with teacher guidance, to share at home with you. In our 3 read approach, children will read the same reading practise book in small groups three times a week in school before bringing it home. Re-reading helps children develop accuracy, fluency and expression, all of which are essential for becoming confident readers. How can you help at home? You can support your child by: Listening to them read regularly. Encouraging them to sound out and blend words using the phonics they have learned. Praising their efforts and celebrating their progress. Reading stories together every day and talking about books. Ensuring reading books and reading records are returned to school as requested. Supporting Parents We recognise that phonics may be taught differently from when many parents and carers were at school. To help you support your child at home, please have a look at the Little Wandle website which gives lots of information and guidance about Little Wandle, including helpful resources and videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation of sounds. www.littlewandle.org.uk/resources/for-parents/ In June of Year 1 children will take part in the National phonics screening check and the application of phonics to reading. Children progress through the five Little Wandle phonics phases into the Year 2 Little Wandle spelling programme. Writing in Key Stage 2 Children continue to follow the ‘Letter join’ handwriting from year 2 programme and handwriting is expected to develop during this Key Stage to form a neat cursive script. Children progress from KS1 phonics into KS2 Spelling Shed resources. Consistent and accurate teaching ensures children’s writing develops with an authorial voice and a mature understanding of sentence structure and its effect on the reader. Stamina increases throughout KS2 and children create cohesive paragraphs in narratives and non-narrative material, whilst maintaining quality. Children are encouraged to read and check their writing for sense, editing for improvement is taught alongside audience awareness. There is a greater level of independence to select and propose changes for appropriate grammar and vocabulary and children are taught to use effective organisational and presentational devices. Challenging texts continue to be chosen carefully to ensure rich vocabulary development and an understanding of how authors write for effect. Writing outcomes are planned carefully using high quality texts to ensure that writing is effective and emotive and covering a range of genres. Older children often support younger children and listen carefully to each other’s ‘masterpieces’. Throughout KS2 writing continues to be assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’. Children are clear, confident creative writers and can articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Year 6 is the final Year of KS2 and we ensure a smooth and supportive transition from KS2 into the beginning of KS3. As part of our middle school model, colleagues from both phases, Primary and Secondary, deliver teaching and learning in our ‘all through’ school. Upper KS2 texts are chosen carefully in consideration of the KS3 English Curriculum and children are well prepared for this next stage of their educational journey. Phonics and Reading in Key Stage 2 Phonics is taught systematically, beginning in reception, using ‘Bug Club’ resources and planning. Whole-class teaching of phonics is supported by additional group and individual provision where required. Daily assessments ensure that children have understood, can remember and can apply their phonics. Teachers are highly skilled confident practitioners: misconceptions are picked up immediately and children make outstanding progress. Common exception words (CEWs) are introduced from the start of Reception. There are a set list of words for each Year group. (please see attachments below) These ‘tricky’ words although taught at school will need to be reinforced at home and children will need to be able to read and spell these words set words correctly, by the end of each Year. Reading Fluency Children follow the Bug Club Reading scheme and after the first half term they are matched to decodable books in order to develop reading fluency. From reception through KS1 children enjoy progressing through these books alongside the phonic sounds taught. In addition to the decodable books, children are allocated a ‘banded book’ that is not fully decodable but is at the correct level for your child. Parents and children are able to access the allocated decodable books on via the ‘e book’ platform on Bug Club. We use a combination of precisely targeted ‘ebooks’ to develop reading fluency and physical books to support all children on their reading for pleasure journey. Children read 1:1 with the class teacher and the Learning Support Assistant in reception. All reading (from Reception to year 6) at home and at school is recorded into a ‘reading record’. Vocabulary development is supported by ‘Drawing Club’ in reception based on a wide variety of rich texts children explore and develop vocabulary through the medium of illustration. Vocabulary is then used in context during the week and children are encouraged to use their vocabulary at home. Children begin guided reading in Year 1 and as confidence in reading fluency improves, children are introduced to reading comprehension skills. Exposure to stories, animated tales and traditional tales is valued highly. Every class will share a story after lunch through our “Westgate Story time” and through Drawing Club. Comprehension Reading and writing are intrinsically linked and from Reception through KS1 children are taught to discuss and sequence a narrative text. This is vital as it supports the ability to recall, retrieve and sequence reading. During KS1 children enjoy ‘book talk’ sessions where carefully chosen texts are used to stimulate rich class discussions, answer age appropriate comprehension questions and discover new vocabulary. Additionally, Guided Reading in small groups ensures children have the opportunity to read and discuss responses orally and in writing to comprehension questions based on: vocabulary, inference, predication, explanation, retrieval and summary. As children move into KS2, children complete ‘reading skill builders’ into reading journals alongside whole class reading. Children are encouraged to be creative and add illustrations and to take pride in their individual Reading Builders. Small group guided reading sessions continue through KS2 with the class teacher, where carefully selected questions for each age group are discussed and debated and cover each reading skill. Primary phase children enjoy support from Secondary Phase pupils and Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh pupils read and discuss: poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction with all year groups once a week. Children leave KS2 continuing confidently into their journey of ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ Overview of the Course: From the start of Year 7, all pupils are introduced to our core skills – the golden threads - so they are fully embedded by the time the pupils reach KS4. These key skills are taught through a study of novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction or media-based texts. Course Content: Year 7 Year 7 pupils begin the year with the ‘Heroes’ unit which is designed to develop a range of pupils’ inference as well as introduce the skills of analysis and comparison. Writing will involve crafting a persuasive speech to be delivered to the class. Subsequent units include the study of a modern novel; poetry of peace and protest; a creative travel writing unit; a media unit on representation and stereotypes and a Shakespeare play. Year 8 Year 8 has been designed to build on the skills that have been introduced in Year 7. The year begins with a unit on Gothic Literature where pupils analyse 19th century fiction and write an opening to their own Gothic novel. By the end of the year, all pupils will have also studied a dystopian novel to develop creative writing skills; a media-based unit on advertising; a Shakespeare play; poems from other cultures and developed reading skills to explore what life was like in the nineteenth century. The course is planned to provide a range of cultural experiences to widen pupils’ horizons and develop a passion for reading and the study of literature which we hope will stay with them throughout their life. Pupils are encouraged to transfer the reading and writing skills to other curriculum areas and these links are often made explicit in lessons. Course Skills: Reading: skimming, scanning and decoding skills, comprehension and inference, analysis of language and the structure of a text, and evaluation skills are introduced and consolidated over the two years. Writing: both creative and analytical writing skills are taught together with a focus on structure of the text, use of language devices, improving vocabulary and technical accuracy. Spoken language skills are practised through speeches and drama-based activities and debating and other structured talk. Assessment: Pupils will be assessed in every unit and each assessment will focus on a different skill for either reading or writing. All pupils will be fully prepared for the assessments and will practise the skills needed during lessons. The assessments will focus on key skills to provide a strong foundation for all pupils in improving their literacy, analysis or communication skills. To support your child’s learning in English and Media Studies clips will be shown from films such as: 'War Horse' and 'Romeo and Juliet' (Year 7); 'Macbeth' (Year 9); These clips and/or films will be shown in lessons according to our curriculum plans. In alignment with British Board of Film Classification regulations, pupils may be shown clips from films that are slightly above their chronological age (e.g., a film classified as a 12 for pupils in Year 7) where a teacher deems it appropriate for educational reasons. In doing so, adults will ensure that it is appropriate for the learning task and for the children in the class and if there are any scenes that could be upsetting, will advise pupils in advance. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss this in more detail, please do contact Mrs. Griffiths, Faculty Leader for English and MFL, as soon as possible such that we can adjust our plans, and we will be happy to work in partnership with you. English Language and Literature in Year 9 Overview of the Course: Pupils will develop their skills as critical readers of fiction and non-fiction texts and also become writers, adept at crafting language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. They will also become confident speakers able to express their opinion on a range of challenging ideas. Course Content: English language skills are taught in an integrated way, complementing and supporting the English Literature course. Pupils will read a choice of modern fiction, a Shakespeare text, poetry, a range of non-fiction texts including speeches, adverts and autobiographical journals. More confident learners will study Latin as part of their English Curriculum. The addition of Latin provides further enrichment and enhances learners’ understanding of language development, with a view to taking the language onto GCSE if they choose to. Other curriculum opportunities such as participating in a Shakespeare workshop, viewing a production or analysing speeches by famous historical figures and politicians broadens pupils’ cultural experiences further. Course Skills: Reading skills of inference, analysis and evaluation. Writing to persuade and argue and develop a distinctive voice. Writing creative texts including stories and descriptions. Spoken language presentation skills. English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications and pupils will be entered for both GCSEs. English Language GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Language. Pupils will build on the skills of reading and writing they have been developing throughout their time at The Westgate School, but now it will be much more tailored to the demands of the exam. Pupils will continue to develop as critical readers with a focus on the skills of inference, analysis and evaluation and comparison. They will read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, both contemporary and from the nineteenth century. Assessment: The English Language GCSE is assessed through two linear exams, both worth 50% of the course: Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. English Literature GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Literature. They will read a nineteenth century novel, either: ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert L Stevenson, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, or ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley. They will also study a modern text: either ‘Lord of the Flies’ or ‘An Inspector Calls’ and a range of pre and post 1914 poetry on the theme of Power and Conflict, and ‘Macbeth’. Please note: texts are subject to change according to exam board review. Assessment: The English Literature GCSE is assessed through two linear exams: ‘Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century text’ worth 40%. ‘Poetry and Modern Texts’ worth 60% of the course. Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. Home Learning: Pupils are expected to complete Home Learning every week. Usually this should take one hour. Home Learning will be set as a variety of tasks including reading tasks in preparation for the lesson, language analysis, and the completion of written tasks. Exam Board AQA 8700 - English Language Exam Board AQA 8702 - English Literature Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum