English Overview

Department Overview

The English Department at Riverside School is led by two Subject Leads: Ms Amy Brooks in Primary and Mr Matthew Gilani-Dowson in Secondary.

In the Primary Phase, we prioritise the teaching of phonics and foster a love of reading to improve both fluency and comprehension, helping to close the gaps that many students arrive with. Through shared stories, reading with and to adults, engaging writing opportunities and language-rich experiences, we support every pupil to develop confidence as readers, writers and communicators.

A key development across Riverside School is our implementation of Talk for Writing, with all staff now trained in this approach. Talk for Writing is embedded across the curriculum and plays a central role in developing pupils’ oracy, reading and writing skills. Through the use of storytelling, imitation, rehearsal and structured language activities, pupils are supported to develop vocabulary, language comprehension, confidence in communication and the skills needed to become successful readers and writers. This consistent approach ensures that pupils can apply their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills meaningfully across all subjects.

In the Transition Phase (Years 7 and 8), students continue to be taught using the Primary model, with one main class teacher delivering most lessons. Students study engaging texts such as Stone Cold, Room 13 and Holes, alongside Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The main aim during this phase is to consolidate reading, writing and communication skills so that students are fully prepared for their GCSE journey in Year 9.

Alongside our literacy curriculum, we have recently updated our handwriting policy in line with the Writing Framework. Following a baseline assessment, pupils receive targeted support to develop the fundamental skills required for successful handwriting, including:

• Correct posture
• Pencil grip
• Paper positioning
• Letter formation
• Letter orientation
• Size and spacing

This graduated approach ensures that pupils develop the physical foundations of writing alongside their wider literacy skills.

Students have the opportunity to achieve three GCSE qualifications within the English Department during Key Stage 4:

• English Language
• English Literature
• Media Studies

Students begin their study of English Literature in Year 9 and, where appropriate, are entered for the GCSE examination at the end of Year 10. This allows them to achieve a qualification a year early, which can support applications for colleges, apprenticeships and post-16 pathways, whilst also reducing the number of examinations undertaken in Year 11.

English Language and Media Studies are then examined in Year 11.

In English Literature, we study the following texts:

• Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
• R.L. Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
• Orwell’s Animal Farm or Dennis Kelly’s DNA
• AQA Power and Conflict Poetry
• Learning mats for each text can be found on the website

If you would like any further information about the English Department, please feel free to contact:

Amy Brooks
amy.brooks@riversidesschool.co.uk

Matthew Gilani-Dowson
matt.gilani-dowson@riversidesschool.co.uk