The English department at Avon Valley recognises that every student’s success, both within and outside school, rests upon the student’s ability to read, communicate and interpret the world around them. With this in mind we seek to offer all of our students invaluable, varied and exciting learning opportunities at both Key Stage 3 and 4.

The department is currently rolling out its APP (Assessing Pupil Progress) scheme at Key Stage 3. This initiative will afford all students the opportunity to reflect upon the progress they have made during each term and, in conjunction with their teacher, set realistic and attainable targets in order to progress. We feel that by encouraging our students to critically reflect upon their own learning and set their own targets, their full potential can be realised.

A member of the department is also the school’s literacy coordinator. The literacy coordinator works with all departments across the school to ensure that strategies used by the English department and latest educational thinking can permeate and impact upon all learners.

For those students who require specific help with their literacy, the department works closely with the Inclusion department. This close working relationship is intended to maximise attainment and progress. We have also started making use of a computer programme entitled SuccessMaker. This computer programme begins by testing students, identifying specific weaknesses and then tailoring learning tasks to help students progress.

The final 60% of the Grade takes the form of examinations at the end of Year 11. Students will be tested on a variety of writing styles, as well as their knowledge of an anthology of poetry and non-fiction texts.