At Hall Mead, pupils follow a broad and balanced syllabus that relates directly to the requirements of the National Curriculum and is guided by the interests and enthusiasms of our pupils. The staff strive to develop pupils holistically and enable them to become confident and articulate communicators. A wide range of teaching and learning methods is used, including the use of drama, media and Information Communication Technology, in order to prepare pupils for the demands of today’s changing world.

Speaking & Listening
Pupils are given the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills both individually and collaboratively. Drama is recognised as an important vehicle in developing pupils’ skills in English. Students participate in such activities as discussion work, presentations, role play and hot seating.

Reading

Pupils read widely from fiction and non-fiction texts. These may include newspaper extracts, autobiographies, diaries, poetry, prose and drama. Pupils will study Shakespeare and other pre 1914 writers and are taught to approach all kinds of literature critically.

Writing

Pupils are provided with opportunities to write in a variety of ways and for a number of different audiences. The range of work includes: narrative, discursive essays, diary entries, letters and newspaper reports. Emphasis is placed on technical accuracy, spelling skills, legibility, and presentation. Pupils are also given the opportunity to use Information Communication Technology and enjoy designing news reports and other publications.

The department runs lunch time reading clubs, theatre trips and pupils benefit from visiting theatre groups. Regular visits to the school library encourage an interest in reading for pleasure.

Naturally we measure a substantial part of our success with older pupils involved in external examinations.The Department is delighted that the results for the GCSEs have again been excellent.