English

Intent

At Chaigeley School, the English curriculum aims to build confidence, engagement and a lasting love of language across Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. We fare lead by the English National Curriculum, carefully adapting lessons so they are accessible, meaningful and supportive for all learners. Our approach ensures that every student, regardless of their starting point, can experience success and make progress at a pace that is right for them.

We are committed to developing confident communicators, thoughtful readers and creative writers. A key focus of our curriculum is promoting a love of reading. Across the school, pupils study a broad range of engaging and diverse texts, including novels such as Coraline, poetry from different cultures, and plays such as Blood Brothers. Through these texts, students explore themes, characters and ideas that encourage discussion, empathy and critical thinking.

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We also prioritise creative expression, giving pupils regular opportunities to write for different purposes and audiences. Alongside this, we are developing our school library into a warm, inviting and inclusive space where students can relax, browse books and discover new authors. Our aim is for the library to become a central hub of the school—a place that encourages curiosity, imagination and positive reading habits.

For students working towards expected standards, we deliver high-quality phonics support through Read Write Inc. and Fresh Start Phonics. These programmes help learners develop secure skills in decoding, reading fluently, spelling accurately and understanding texts, enabling them to access the wider curriculum with increasing independence.

Implementation

Our English curriculum is carefully structured to meet the needs of learners within a secondary SEMH setting. Teaching is designed to be engaging, structured and responsive, ensuring all students feel supported and able to achieve.

We adapt learning through:

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Small-step learning to break down skills and build confidence gradually

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Multi-sensory teaching to support different learning styles

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Pre-teaching and overlearning to reinforce key knowledge and vocabulary

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The Chaigeley 5 lesson format, providing consistency and clear routines

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ASC-informed practice to support communication and understanding

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Trauma-informed practice to create a safe and supportive learning environment

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Zones of Regulation embedded daily to support emotional awareness and self-regulation

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Sensory breaks built into timetables to support focus and well-being

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Low arousal environments to reduce anxiety and promote engagement

Reading, writing, speaking and listening are embedded across all lessons. Students are supported to develop their literacy skills through structured activities, modelling and targeted interventions, including phonics where appropriate.

At Key Stage 4, we offer a range of pathways to ensure every learner can achieve success. Students can work towards Entry Level certificates, Functional Skills, or GCSE English Language and Literature. This flexible approach allows us to meet individual needs and aspirations.

Impact

Our English curriculum enables students to make meaningful progress from their individual starting points. Pupils develop increased confidence in reading, writing and communication, alongside improved resilience and independence.

Students leave Chaigeley School with:

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Recognised qualifications appropriate to their pathway

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Improved literacy skills that support lifelong learning

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Greater confidence in expressing themselves verbally and in writing

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A growing enjoyment of reading and engagement with texts

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The skills needed to access further education, employment or training

Ultimately, our aim is for all students to leave with not only the skills they need, but also a positive relationship with English that will support them in their future lives.