“There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.” – Frank Serafini

At Winterton Community Academy, our English curriculum is underpinned by a commitment to equity, empowerment, and excellence.  We recognise that language is the key to unlocking opportunity and our mission is to ensure that every student – regardless of their background or starting point – leaves our school as a confident communicator, critical thinker and engaged citizen.

If, as Matthew Arnold suggests, “culture is to know the best that is said and thought” then, as English educators, we must expose students to a multitude of literature, theorem and ideas.  Through a rich, bespoke and carefully sequenced curriculum, we provide all students with access to a broad range of literature and a diverse range of voices.  This includes classic and contemporary novels, plays and poetry in addition to non-fiction texts and spoken word.  Our students explore themes that deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.  We foster analytical skills, encouraging students to engage critically with texts, question perspectives, and express their interpretations with insight.  We are passionate about crafting and supporting individuals in becoming effective communicators with empathy, passion and resilience.

From Year 7, our curriculum is ambitiously crafted to meet the needs of our learners.  Building on their existing knowledge from the primary curriculum, we aim to further develop student’s knowledge of both language and literature.  From the smallest intricacies of Shakespeare and Dickens to the unchartered realms of creative writing, English at Winterton seeks to leave no stone unturned.  Our curriculum builds strong foundations in literacy, grammar, and vocabulary to ensure students can communicate effectively in academic and real-world contexts.  Creative writing and spoken communication are integral, allowing students to craft their own narratives, arguments, and presentations with conviction and flair.  We place a strong emphasis on the explicit teaching of vocabulary, both tier two and tier three, to ensure students develop the linguistic tools necessary to decode,comprehend and discuss challenging texts.  This, in turn, equips them with the tools necessary to navigate the wider world.  A growing command of language enables our students not only to access the curriculum more confidently but to also articulate their ideas with accuracy and nuance across all subjects and disciplines.

We are proud to offer enriching experiences for our students that go beyond the classroom.  We give students the opportunity to experience plays, culture and history to develop not only their love for English but their cultural capital.  Consequently, students are afforded the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge of language and literature to a real-world setting to consolidate their understanding.

Through high expectations, unapologetic ambition and strong relationships, we cultivate learners who not only succeed academically, but who leave us as thoughtful, articulate, and confident individuals, fully prepared for the challenges and possibilities of the next stage in their journey.  By the time students leave Winterton Community Academy, they will be equipped with the literacy skills necessary for success in further education, employment, and life.  More importantly, they will carry with them a lifelong appreciation for the power of language – its ability to inform, persuade, entertain, and inspire.