Our Curriculum

At Philip Southcote School, we believe English is a vital life skill. Our curriculum is designed to help students communicate confidently and purposefully through speaking, reading and writing. We want students to enjoy reading, be curious about language, and develop the skills they need to succeed in school, in work, and in the wider world.

We teach English in a way that is inclusive, accessible and meaningful. Students follow a pathway that is tailored to their needs and capabilities, with opportunities to explore literature, develop vocabulary, and build confidence in using language. Our curriculum supports students to become independent thinkers who can express themselves clearly and make informed choices.

In Key Stage 3, reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Students explore a wide range of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry and plays. They learn how writers use language to create meaning and how grammar and punctuation help shape ideas. We use adapted and accessible texts to ensure all students can engage with rich literature and develop their own writing style.

In Key Stage 4 and 5, students follow a pathway that leads to recognised qualifications. All students work towards the Entry Level Certificate in English, and our most able students are supported to achieve a GCSE in English Language. We support students to develop their vocabulary and apply their skills in practical settings and in real-life contexts, such as reading menus, interpreting instructions, and communicating during work experience.

Across all key stages, we aim to build independence, resilience and ambition by developing students’ ability to communicate effectively. We want students to be proud of their progress and confident in their ability to communicate.  Communication is at the heart of our curriculum. We focus on enabling students to share their opinions and ideas, giving them a voice within their communities and encouraging them to be ambitious and aspirational in all that they do.

Students develop their English skills through a purposeful learning journey:

• Recognising letters, sounds and punctuation
• Understanding how language communicates meaning
• Using vocabulary and grammar to express ideas
• Adapting speech and writing for different audiences
• Evaluating and editing their own work
• Mastering fluent communication across reading, writing and spoken language

Our curriculum helps students become confident communicators, ready to take their next steps in life.