English

This term, our students have enjoyed developing their knowledge and skills in English, and KS3 students have impressed us with their engagement in Sparx Reader to boost their literacy. 

Year 7 have explored origin stories and the origins of genre. They have used this to craft fantastic stories of their own, imitating the writers we have looked at in class. 

Year 8 have enjoyed controlling the narrative and writing their own short stories, as well as looking at conflict in society on both a global and societal level. 

Year 9 have completed reading Malorie Blackman's Boys Don't Cry and have engaged with themes such as toxic masculinity, parenthood, and love. Many of these students have been inspired to read more of Malorie Blackman's novels. 

Year 10 have completed Romeo and Juliet, which is one of their key Shakespeare texts for GCSE. 

Year 11 continue to work hard to prepare for their examinations, which begin next month!

Sparx Reader 

Sparx Reader is an engaging online reading programme that we are using as part of our homework plan for Year 7, 8 and 9.

Sparx Reader has been proven to improve reading fluency and accuracy through this programme. Children read short sections of text before answering a range of questions to ensure full comprehension. This is designed to encourage them to read carefully and accurately. Sparx Reader includes interactive exercises that assess children's understanding of the text, such as answering questions and identifying key vocabulary. Your child will receive Literacy reward points for completing their target homework of 300 Sparx Reader points each week, which is the equivalent of half an hour of careful reading.

Students will access Sparx Reader through our school's network or at home through the same online account as their current Maths and Science programmes. The programme adapts to each child's reading level, providing personalised lessons and challenges. Students can track their progress and celebrate their achievements.

Parents and carers can support their children through encouraging regular use - even short daily sessions can make a big difference; discussing their reading and reading together.

Sparx Reader is a valuable tool that can help your child become a more confident and proficient reader. We encourage you to explore the programme with your child and support their reading journey

Author:

Mrs Adams and Mr McGarvey - Co-DoLs of English