English Curriculum

DEAR Time and DEAW Time – Every day students enjoy a 20 minute session where they can read their chosen reading book and eventually complete their ‘Reading Passport’ which again, gives them access to lots of different prizes. On Fridays, we have a 20 minute writing session where they engage with lots of different topics and situations and explore their own ideas surrounding them. Both of these daily activities promote a love of reading, enhance their imagination and encourage them to share their ideas in a creative way. 

Extended Writing and Library Lessons – In Year 7, we have two special hours embedded into the timetable in which students focus on building their writing and reading skills with a huge focus on expanding the students’ knowledge of the world around them, topical events and opening their eyes to different genres that they might not have considered before. There are quizzes, competitions and activities they can get involved in and one of the opportunities based on their performance throughout the year is a school trip during the Summer term – a brilliant way to end Year 7!

Word of the Week – We have a new keyword of the week, every week, to help build our students’ vocabulary and encourage them to have an understanding of word etymology. Do you think you’ll be able to use our word of the week in your written work or within an answer to a question to impress your teachers?

Oracy – We promote oracy in our lessons, within assessments and as part of our extracurricular activities such as Debate Club and Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge. It’s okay if you are a little shy at the beginning – by the end of your time here at Roding Valley you’ll be able to speak clearly, confidently and calmly!