Intent
At Ormiston Bridge Academy, we believe in the power of stories. Stories help children understand more about themselves and the rest of humanity. They develop empathy, encourage empathetic communication, and foster critical thinking skills that allow children to become informed and empowered adults.
Our English curriculum includes a range of texts from different time periods, cultures, and the English Literary Heritage to cover the breadth of human experience and expose children to both familiar and unfamiliar ideas. Throughout the curriculum, children have the opportunity to read, write, speak, and listen, ensuring a balanced development of all domains of English, including oracy and language skills. Formative assessment informs ongoing planning and personalised interventions.
Implementation
At Key Stage 3, learners follow a program of study supported by the National Curriculum, featuring novels, poetry, and Shakespearean plays. They develop both creative and transactional writing skills in response to texts, while also engaging in structured speaking and listening activities. Texts are selected with a trauma-informed approach to meet the specific needs of our learners, many of whom have SEND, adverse childhood experiences, and limited exposure to reading at home. Accessibility is a priority, with texts chosen to interest learners and fill formative gaps, while also challenging them to respond personally, critically, and imaginatively.
At Key Stage 4, learners follow the AQA English Literature and Pearson Edexcel 2.0 English Language curricula. We aim to cover and revise most of the two-year course in Year 11 to support our current learners and new learners joining us late, many of whom have been out of education. Our goal is to give every learner the best possible chance of achieving a Grade 4 or above by ensuring exposure to all necessary units of work.
Impact
We measure success through a range of indicators, including progress in reading ages, engagement levels, low stakes quizzes and GCSE outcomes. Progress is tracked regularly, and targeted support is provided, especially for students joining mid-course. We aim to foster a love of English that extends beyond exams, equipping learners with critical thinking skills and the confidence to succeed in future pathways, careers, and lifelong learning.
Ambition and Enrichment
While accessibility is central to our approach, we are equally committed to ambition and challenge for all learners, including those capable of excelling. Our curriculum is designed to stretch students intellectually and creatively. We also enrich learning through opportunities that build cultural capital, such as exposure to diverse voices, historical contexts, and real-world applications of English. These experiences help learners connect their studies to broader life opportunities and the world beyond school.