Unlock your musical potential at The Westgate School Keyboard Club! Join us to learn, play, and create beautiful music in a supportive setting. Keyboard Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Keyboard Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 9 Contact See EduLink for further details The Keyboard Club is open to Year 7 and Year 8s.  The club will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. The club will support pupils with their music class work and pupils will work at their own pace individually. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join Westgate's Rugby Club for skill development, teamwork, and fun. Rugby - Boys Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Rugby - Boys Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Joining a rugby club offers a wealth of benefits that can positively impact various aspects of your life. Here are some of the key advantages: Physical Fitness : Rugby is a physically demanding sport that provides an excellent full-body workout. It improves cardiovascular health, increases strength and power, and enhances agility and flexibility. Teamwork : Rugby is the ultimate team sport, emphasizing the importance of working together. It fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and teaches the value of collaboration and mutual support. Discipline : The structured nature of the game instills discipline and respect for the rules. Players learn the importance of self-control and the ability to perform under strict guidelines. Social Skills : Being part of a rugby club provides numerous opportunities to interact with others, enhancing communication skills and building a network of friends and acquaintances. Leadership : Rugby helps develop leadership qualities as players often have to take charge, make decisions, and motivate their teammates. Cultural Awareness : The sport is played globally, and involvement in a rugby club can expose players to different cultures and perspectives, promoting inclusivity and understanding. Enjoyment : Above all, rugby is an exhilarating sport that offers a sense of adventure and fun. The excitement of the game and the shared experiences create lasting memories. Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, develop life skills, or simply enjoy the thrill of the game, joining a rugby club is a fantastic choice. It's a sport that builds character and creates a strong sense of community. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Explore high-quality Initial Teacher Training with Winchester Schools Training Alliance at The Westgate School. Check out vacancies and open mornings now Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Winchester Schools Training Alliance Date Posted 2024-12-19T00:00 Winchester Schools Training Alliance Interested in Training to be a Teacher? The Westgate School is the lead school in the Winchester Schools Training Alliance. Working with 18 schools in the Winchester area to provide high-quality, school led Initial Teacher Training. See the website for details of Train to Teach Open Mornings and further information. Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

Improve outcomes with our school self-evaluation activities and expert-led support. Go School Self-Evaluation Activities Go School Self-Evaluation Activities Lead Professional: Mrs. J Edwards (Head of School) Based on the principles of a self-improving system, school peer-review activities enable leaders and colleagues to critically assess their provision, identify strengths, and pinpoint areas for development. This reflective process is embedded in The Westgate School’s cycle of quality assurance and welcomes colleagues from other settings on a regular basis. As an open and experienced community of learning, we look forward to working alongside peers who bring different experiential learning and expertise to our setting. Extending our collaborative partnerships supports continuous improvement and sustainable progress where we can learn alongside experienced practitioners and leaders for the benefit of all learners. If you would like to join our programme of curriculum development, please use the contact form: Contact and sele ct Collaborative Working & Partnerships citing Peer Review. Go Collaborative Working & partnerships Next page Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

The calendar and open events page of The Westgate School provides details about upcoming key dates, school events, and open days for prospective pupils and parents. This information helps visitors stay informed about important activities, deadlines, and opportunities to explore the school. For more details, visit The Westgate School's Calendar and Open Events page. Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Achieving Excellence Learning Together Calendar & Open Events Calendar & Open Events Term Dates / Inset Days - Academic Year 2025-26 AUTUMN TERM - 03/09/25 ~ 19/12/25 Inset Day - 03/09/25 Half-Term - 25/10/25 ~ 02/11/25 Inset Day - 28/11/25 Inset Day - 01/12/25 SPRING TERM - 05/01/26 ~ 27/03/26 Half-Term - 14/02/26 ~ 22/02/26 Inset Day - 27/03/26 SUMMER TERM - 13/04/26 ~ 22/07/26 Half-Term - 23/05/26 - 31/05/26 Inset Day - 19/06/26 Open Events The best way to experience our school is to see it in action. We hold regular open events for prospective pupils and parents/carers to attend. Booking for secondary phase events will open nearer the time so please make a note in your diary. We regret that we're unable to offer tours of the school outside of the open events. Primary Phase Open Event Dates: Open Mornings run on Wednesday 14th October 2026 and Thursday 22nd October 2026. No booking required Please arrive for 9am talk and the tour will follow. Refreshments will be available. Secondary Phase Open Event Dates: Wednesday 24th June, 2026, 9-11am Wednesday 16th September 2026, 9-11am Thursday 17th September 2026, 5-7pm Thursday 1st October 2026, 9-11am Wednesday 23rd June 2027, 9-11am Booking will open closer to the time of the event. Parking details for all events Parking Information for All Events As we welcome you to the school, please be aware that on-site parking is limited. We kindly ask you to consider alternative methods of travel where possible. We strongly encourage the use of the available parking spaces along Chilbolton Avenue (please refer to the map below). Please note that parking directly outside the school on Cheriton Road is very limited. While there are some spaces available on Cheriton Road , they are fewer than those on Chilbolton Avenue. We understand that there is up to 2 hours of free parking in these areas, but we advise checking local signage for confirmation. For visitors with accessibility needs, a small number of Blue Badge bays are available in the main reception car park 5 minute Park & Stride Route & Drop off/ Pick up zone. Train To Teach Events: The Winchester Schools Training Alliance provides high quality teacher training through a partnership of good and outstanding primary and secondary schools in the Winchester area. We arrange open mornings for prospective trainees across our alliance schools. For booking information see Winchester Schools Training Alliance website Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

The policies page of The Westgate School website provides essential information on various school policies, including safeguarding, behavior, attendance, health and safety, and more. These policies ensure compliance with legal standards and promote a safe, supportive environment for students and staff. Visitors can view or download individual policies for further details. To explore the complete list of policies, visit The Westgate School's policy page. Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Policies Further admissions details may be found on our Admissions page Our accessibility plan can be found within the SEND policy. If you require paper copies of any of our policies, please contact the school office. View our policies below A B C D E F G H M N O P R S T U W Admissions Policy 2024/25 Admissions Policy 2025/26 Admissions Policy 2026/2027 Anti Bullying Policy Attendance and Punctuality Policy Behaviour & Suspensions Policy CCTV Policy Careers Education Policy Charging & Remissions Policy Child Protection Policy Communication Policy Complaints Policy Curriculum Policy Data Protection & GDPR Early Years Foundation Stage Educational Visits Policy Equality Objectives & Diversity Policy Examinations & Contingency Policy Exclusion and Suspension Policy Feedback, Assessment & Reporting First Aid Policy Freedom of Information Gender Pay Gap Report Home Learning Policy Malpractice Policy Mobile Device Policy Non Examination Assessment Policy Online Learning for Pupils & Parents (Incld. Return to Learn) Online Safety Policy Pupil Groupings Policy Relationships & Sex Education SEND Policy Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy Safeguarding Policy School Uniform Policy Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs Teaching & Learning The Education of Looked After Children Whistleblowing Policy (Exams) Word Processing Policy Work Experience Wraparound Policy Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community, where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence" (Ofsted, September, 2022). "Pupils embody the school’s motto of ‘learning together, achieving excellence’ at this excellent all-through school" (Ofsted, November 2023) "Staff have remarkably high expectations for all pupils. As a result, pupils achieve exceptionally well" (Ofsted, November 2023)" "Pupils share a strong sense of belonging to the flourishing school community" (Ofsted, November 2023) "Dedicated staff champion pupils to enable them to learn deeply. Staff use regular reviews of pupils’ progress to enable a sharp focus on pastoral and academic support" (Ofsted, November 2023) "Westgate is exemplary and always puts the children's best interests at the heart of everything" (Parent Feedback, November 2022) "Teaching is expertly adapted. The school ensures that everyone studies a broad and challenging curriculum" (Ofsted, November 2023) "The ‘Westgate Community Challenge’ inspires all pupils in Years 7 and 8 to participate in a wide range of opportunities to develop their skills and to serve others. The house system promotes a strong sense of belonging" (Ofsted, November 2023) "Careers information, education, advice and guidance is a significant strength of the school" (Ofsted, November 2023) "The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community, where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence" (Ofsted, September 2022) "Having been to the parents' evening last night, I was again reminded of the brilliantly positive teaching staff and the support they always offer." (Parent Feedback, 2025) "I've been very impressed with the GCSE preparation in Year 11. Lots of resources and guidance for learning. Good communication with parents so we know how best to help." (Year 11 parent feedback, 2025) "Pupils benefit from a broad and varied offer of extra-curricular activities. Participation is extremely high across both the primary and secondary phases" (Ofsted, September 2022) "We have a very positive experience of Westgate and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other prospective parents" (Parent Feedback, November 2022) "Reading is highly prioritised in the school" (Ofsted, September 2022) "Behaviour in the school is routinely very impressive. Pupils have a highly positive attitude to learning" (Ofsted, September 2022) "Pupils' personal development is exceptionally strong. Leaders have put together a PSHE curriculum that is broad, relevant and ambitious" (Ofsted, September 2022) "Leaders have created a strong culture of safeguarding. Staff are well trained to identify concerns and report these using the school's child protection procedures" (Ofsted, September 2022) "I've been very impressed with the GCSE preparation in Year 11. Lots of resources and guidance for learning. Good communication with parents so we know how best to help." (Year 11 parent feedback, 2025) "My children are extremely happy at Westgate. There is a strong focus on well-being and happiness but also an expectation of high achievement" (Parent Feedback, September 2022) Welcome to The Westgate School At The Westgate School our values and ethos are based on the fundamental belief that we are a community of learners - adults and pupils alike - in which every individual should be enabled to enjoy learning and develop as a happy and healthy individual, who is able to make a unique and positive contribution to society: learning together, achieving excellence. Mrs Dean, Executive Headteacher Welcome | Ethos | Prospectus 1 2 3 4 5 Calendar & Open Events Our Houses Air 30,723 Earth 30,944 Water 31,926 Fire 31,589 Calendar Open Events The best way to experience our school is to see it in action. "Learning Together - Achieving Excellence" Learn More

Join the digital leaders club for all things digital in the Westgate School and beyond. Digital Leaders Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Digital Leaders Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 9 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Join the digital leaders club for all things digital in the Westgate School and beyond. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join our school table tennis club to stay fit, sharpen your mind, make new friends, and compete in exciting tournaments. All skill levels welcome! Table Tennis Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Table Tennis Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Join the School Table Tennis Club! Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to stay active, make new friends, and improve your skills? Look no further! The School Table Tennis Club is the perfect place for you. Why Join? Stay Fit and Healthy : Table tennis is a fantastic way to keep fit, improve your reflexes, and enhance your hand-eye coordination. Boost Your Brainpower : This sport requires quick thinking and strategic planning, helping you sharpen your mind and improve concentration. Make New Friends : Meet fellow pupils who share your passion for table tennis. Enjoy friendly matches and build lasting friendships. Learn and Improve : Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, our club offers coaching and practice sessions to help you improve your game. Compete and Have Fun : Participate in school tournaments and events. Challenge yourself and experience the thrill of competition. Relieve Stress : Take a break from your studies and enjoy a fun, stress-relieving activity. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join The Westgate School Fitness Club! Promote a healthy lifestyle with fun activities, improve your fitness, and be part of a supportive community. Health & Fitness (morning) Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Health & Fitness (morning) Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Opportunity to start the week off with a blast and access the H&F studio before school on a Monday from 7.30-8.15 am. Please come in PE kit and change after the club. 30 pupil max capacity due to space. If you're unable to sign-up, due to high demand, we will be running a reserve list in the PE office for this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join Westgate's String Ensemble to enhance musical skills, teamwork, and performance. String ensemble Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings String ensemble Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The String Ensemble is open to players of Violins, Violas, Cellos and Double Bass. The ensemble will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, open mornings and evenings, celebrations, the annual school carol service in December, and ‘Go West’ Festival in July, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

English Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual Go Go Our English Curriculum intends to: Instil in pupils a passion for literature and a life-long love of reading. Teach pupils to become critical, analytical and evaluative readers of fiction and non-fiction. Enable pupils to craft language so that they become convincing writers, able to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes. Ensure that pupils are effective communicators in spoken English. Why learn English? English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. Our English course will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and, through their listening and reading, others can communicate with them. With reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Literature plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society: pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised. The curriculum is taught as an integrated course combining the study of language and literature, which continues in Years 9 -11. Our vision is that from Reception Year onwards, all pupils develop a passion and enthusiasm for English through exploring and appreciating a range of texts, both literary and non-fiction, and learn how to craft language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Writing For EYFS/Key Stage 1 ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ begins with our youngest children, joining us in Reception. Writing begins with meaningful mark making, such as first attempts to write a shopping list, to writing their name. As they settle into Reception, children learn correct letter formation following ‘Letter join’ sequenced resources and are encouraged to write purposefully and clearly to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Following a rich and diverse text driven curriculum, children are inspired to write and enjoy opportunities for planning, drafting and reviewing. Oracy is a vital part of our Early Years Curriculum, and our children develop confident skills to become assured and articulate speakers. Through circle times and sharing their interests in key person groupings all children are supported to practise and develop formal and informal speaking skills. Children are also taught to understand the benefits of being sensitive, observant and attentive listeners. During Year 1 our carefully planned foundations of learning from EYFS are strengthened and refined. Handwriting skills develop and children are taught to progress letter formation into the beginnings of a cursive script. Children are taught a wide variety of writing skills such as: the art of letter writing, recount and instructional writing. ‘Talk for writing’ creates exciting narratives and figurative poetry. During Year 2 children begin to write more cohesively using a wider range of conjunctions and are expected to write with a greater stamina. Our text driven curriculum is thoughtfully planned to ensure children continue to develop a rich and varied vocabulary and understand that texts are set out in different ways for different purposes. Oracy skills are built upon, and children feel confident challenging each other and putting forward their point of view whilst accepting that others may think differently. Throughout KS1 and in reception, learning is assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’ highlighters. Children are clear and confident to articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Children are also taught how to begin to edit their own writing. Phonics and Reading Schemes For Key Stage 1 Children learn phonics through the carefully structured systematic synthetic Bug Club programme, then learn to transcribe phonic sounds into the early writing process of graphemes, words and sentences. Vocabulary development is a vital part of the curriculum, and we use the ‘Drawing Club’ model, in which children ‘share a treasure trove of vocabulary’ enriching language skills and encourage creativity and imagination. ‘Westgate Word Walls’ support children in every classroom from Reception to Year 6. Phonics is an important part of the curriculum and in the June of Year 1, children will take part in the National phonics screening check and the application of phonics to reading. Children progress through phase 5 and phase 6 phonics into Year 1 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. Writing is centred around a diverse and exciting text-based curriculum. Fiction and non-fiction texts are chosen carefully to ensure enjoyment, humour, literary challenge and vocabulary development. Books are beautiful and we ensure all texts chosen are full of inspiring illustrations and captivating content! The end of this Key stage enables children to write more independently. Children re-visit phase 5 and 6 phonics and then progress onto Year 2 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. The spelling and grammar curriculum during this year is challenging and children are supported to understand and apply a wide variety of spelling rules and grammar that will enhance their writing. Children will become more confident with new terminology and are able to develop their writing for a wider range of purposes and audiences. Writing in Key Stage 2 Children continue to follow the ‘Letter join’ handwriting programme and handwriting is expected to develop during this Key Stage to form a neat cursive script. Children progress from KS1 spelling and grammar skills following Bug Club spelling and grammar into KS2 resources. Consistent and accurate teaching ensures children’s writing develops with an authorial voice and a mature understanding of sentence structure and its effect on the reader. Stamina increases throughout KS2 and children create cohesive paragraphs in narratives and non-narrative material, whilst maintaining quality. Children are encouraged to read and check their writing for sense, editing for improvement is taught alongside audience awareness. There is a greater level of independence to select and propose changes for appropriate grammar and vocabulary and children are taught to use effective organisational and presentational devices. Challenging texts continue to be chosen carefully to ensure rich vocabulary development and an understanding of how authors write for effect. Writing outcomes are planned carefully using high quality texts to ensure that writing is effective and emotive and covering a range of genres. Older children often support younger children and listen carefully to each other’s ‘masterpieces’. Throughout KS2 writing continues to be assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’. Children are clear, confident creative writers and can articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Year 6 is the final Year of KS2 and we ensure a smooth and supportive transition from KS2 into the beginning of KS3. As part of our middle school model, colleagues from both phases, Primary and Secondary, deliver teaching and learning in our ‘all through’ school. Upper KS2 texts are chosen carefully in consideration of the KS3 English Curriculum and children are well prepared for this next stage of their educational journey. Phonics and Reading in Key Stage 2 Phonics is taught systematically, beginning in reception, using ‘Bug Club’ resources and planning. Whole-class teaching of phonics is supported by additional group and individual provision where required. Daily assessments ensure that children have understood, can remember and can apply their phonics. Teachers are highly skilled confident practitioners: misconceptions are picked up immediately and children make outstanding progress. Common exception words (CEWs) are introduced from the start of Reception. There are a set list of words for each Year group. (please see attachments below) These ‘tricky’ words although taught at school will need to be reinforced at home and children will need to be able to read and spell these words set words correctly, by the end of each Year. Reading Fluency Children follow the Bug Club Reading scheme and after the first half term they are matched to decodable books in order to develop reading fluency. From reception through KS1 children enjoy progressing through these books alongside the phonic sounds taught. In addition to the decodable books, children are allocated a ‘banded book’ that is not fully decodable but is at the correct level for your child. Parents and children are able to access the allocated decodable books on via the ‘e book’ platform on Bug Club. We use a combination of precisely targeted ‘ebooks’ to develop reading fluency and physical books to support all children on their reading for pleasure journey. Children read 1:1 with the class teacher and the Learning Support Assistant in reception. All reading (from Reception to year 6) at home and at school is recorded into a ‘reading record’. Vocabulary development is supported by ‘Drawing Club’ in reception based on a wide variety of rich texts children explore and develop vocabulary through the medium of illustration. Vocabulary is then used in context during the week and children are encouraged to use their vocabulary at home. Children begin guided reading in Year 1 and as confidence in reading fluency improves, children are introduced to reading comprehension skills. Exposure to stories, animated tales and traditional tales is valued highly. Every class will share a story after lunch through our “Westgate Story time” and through Drawing Club. Comprehension Reading and writing are intrinsically linked and from Reception through KS1 children are taught to discuss and sequence a narrative text. This is vital as it supports the ability to recall, retrieve and sequence reading. During KS1 children enjoy ‘book talk’ sessions where carefully chosen texts are used to stimulate rich class discussions, answer age appropriate comprehension questions and discover new vocabulary. Additionally, Guided Reading in small groups ensures children have the opportunity to read and discuss responses orally and in writing to comprehension questions based on: vocabulary, inference, predication, explanation, retrieval and summary. As children move into KS2, children complete ‘reading skill builders’ into reading journals alongside whole class reading. Children are encouraged to be creative and add illustrations and to take pride in their individual Reading Builders. Small group guided reading sessions continue through KS2 with the class teacher, where carefully selected questions for each age group are discussed and debated and cover each reading skill. Primary phase children enjoy support from Secondary Phase pupils and Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh pupils read and discuss: poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction with all year groups once a week. Children leave KS2 continuing confidently into their journey of ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ Overview of the Course: From the start of Year 7, all pupils are introduced to our core skills – the golden threads - so they are fully embedded by the time the pupils reach KS4. These key skills are taught through a study of novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction or media-based texts. Co urse Content: Year 7 Year 7 pupils begin the year with the ‘Heroes’ unit which is designed to develop a range of pupils’ inference as well as introduce the skills of analysis and comparison. Writing will involve crafting a persuasive speech to be delivered to the class. Subsequent units include the study of a modern novel; poetry of peace and protest; a creative travel writing unit; a media unit on representation and stereotypes and a Shakespeare play. Year 8 Year 8 has been designed to build on the skills that have been introduced in Year 7. The year begins with a unit on Gothic Literature where pupils analyse 19th century fiction and write an opening to their own Gothic novel. By the end of the year, all pupils will have also studied a dystopian novel to develop creative writing skills; a media-based unit on advertising; a Shakespeare play; poems from other cultures and developed reading skills to explore what life was like in the nineteenth century. The course is planned to provide a range of cultural experiences to widen pupils’ horizons and develop a passion for reading and the study of literature which we hope will stay with them throughout their life. Pupils are encouraged to transfer the reading and writing skills to other curriculum areas and these links are often made explicit in lessons. Course Skills: Reading: skimming, scanning and decoding skills, comprehension and inference, analysis of language and the structure of a text, and evaluation skills are introduced and consolidated over the two years. Writing: both creative and analytical writing skills are taught together with a focus on structure of the text, use of language devices, improving vocabulary and technical accuracy. Spoken language skills are practised through speeches and drama-based activities and debating and other structured talk. Assessment: Pupils will be assessed in every unit and each assessment will focus on a different skill for either reading or writing. All pupils will be fully prepared for the assessments and will practise the skills needed during lessons. The assessments will focus on key skills to provide a strong foundation for all pupils in improving their literacy, analysis or communication skills. To support your child’s learning in English and Media Studies clips will be shown from films such as: 'War Horse' and 'Romeo and Juliet' (Year 7); 'Macbeth' (Year 9); These clips and/or films will be shown in lessons according to our curriculum plans. In alignment with British Board of Film Classification regulations, pupils may be shown clips from films that are slightly above their chronological age (e.g., a film classified as a 12 for pupils in Year 7) where a teacher deems it appropriate for educational reasons. In doing so, adults will ensure that it is appropriate for the learning task and for the children in the class and if there are any scenes that could be upsetting, will advise pupils in advance. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss this in more detail, please do contact Mrs. Griffiths, Faculty Leader for English and MFL, as soon as possible such that we can adjust our plans, and we will be happy to work in partnership with you. English Language and Literature in Year 9 Overview of the Course: Pupils will develop their skills as critical readers of fiction and non-fiction texts and also become writers, adept at crafting language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. They will also become confident speakers able to express their opinion on a range of challenging ideas. Course Content: English language skills are taught in an integrated way, complementing and supporting the English Literature course. Pupils will read a choice of modern fiction, a Shakespeare text, poetry, a range of non-fiction texts including speeches, adverts and autobiographical journals. More confident learners will study Latin as part of their English Curriculum. The addition of Latin provides further enrichment and enhances learners’ understanding of language development, with a view to taking the language onto GCSE if they choose to. Other curriculum opportunities such as participating in a Shakespeare workshop, viewing a production or analysing speeches by famous historical figures and politicians broadens pupils’ cultural experiences further. Course Skills: Reading skills of inference, analysis and evaluation. Writing to persuade and argue and develop a distinctive voice. Writing creative texts including stories and descriptions. Spoken language presentation skills. English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications and pupils will be entered for both GCSEs. English Language GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Language. Pupils will build on the skills of reading and writing they have been developing throughout their time at The Westgate School, but now it will be much more tailored to the demands of the exam. Pupils will continue to develop as critical readers with a focus on the skills of inference, analysis and evaluation and comparison. They will read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, both contemporary and from the nineteenth century. Assessment: The English Language GCSE is assessed through two linear exams, both worth 50% of the course: Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. English Literature GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Literature. They will read a nineteenth century novel, either: ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert L Stevenson, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, or ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley. They will also study a modern text: either ‘Lord of the Flies’ or ‘An Inspector Calls’ and a range of pre and post 1914 poetry on the theme of Power and Conflict, and ‘Macbeth’. Please note: texts are subject to change according to exam board review. Assessment: The English Literature GCSE is assessed through two linear exams: ‘Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century text’ worth 40%. ‘Poetry and Modern Texts’ worth 60% of the course. Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. Home Learning: Pupils are expected to complete Home Learning every week. Usually this should take one hour. Home Learning will be set as a variety of tasks including reading tasks in preparation for the lesson, language analysis, and the completion of written tasks. Exam Board AQA 8700 - English Language Exam Board AQA 8702 - English Literature Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum