The secondary curriculum review
The curriculum aim - developing successful learners that are literate, creative and enquiring, able to communicate clearly and work both independently and collaboratively - is at the heart of the English programme of study.
The key concept of 'competence' in English centres on being clear, coherent and accurate in written and spoken communication, as well as being adaptable to the demands of different contexts. These are essential for learning to be successful.
The ability to work independently and cooperate with others to reach a common goal is essential to being a successful learner. Both of these qualities are part of the English programme of study.
The English programme of study develops pupils' independence in learning by providing opportunities for pupils to evaluate their own and others' work, while the key processes for speaking and listening ensure that pupils are able to work in groups, make relevant contributions and respond appropriately.
The curriculum aims to develop confident learners that have a sense of self-worth, secure values and beliefs and are able to be independent and relate well to others.
In English pupils have opportunities to express their ideas and opinions in speech and writing, engage with others and respond constructively to them. This provides an environment for pupils to explore their own values and beliefs. By recognising and discussing different interpretations of texts, ideas and issues, pupils learn to respond with confidence, developing logical arguments and justifying their own views with evidence. Group discussion and drama activities allow pupils to develop confidence in performance. This also provides opportunities for them to relate well to others by working in collaborative contexts, taking collective responsibility for completing a piece of work successfully and receiving feedback on how to improve.
Reading a range of quality texts opens minds. It allows pupils to engage with moral dilemmas and think about issues in new ways that contribute to their understanding of what it means to be a responsible citizen. Reading texts studied at key stage 3 should, as the programme of study highlights, help pupils 'move beyond to experience different times, cultures, viewpoints and situations'. This, and the study of 'texts that enable pupils to appreciate the quality and distinctiveness of texts from different cultures and traditions', helps pupils respect others, understand cultures and views other than their own and have a strong sense of their own place in the world.
Another important aspect that contributes to becoming a responsible citizen is being well prepared for life and work. This is recognised in the key concepts for English, each of which plays an important role in ensuring that pupils become confident communicators who are adaptable, independent, creative and able to take critical and analytical approaches to situations.
The compatibility of the level 1 English functional skills standards with the programme of study reinforces how the English programme of study prepares young people for the world of work and encourages them to take a more active and responsible role in their communities.
