English
English subject lead: Siân Ashman
English lessons at DHSSS are designed to be empowering and to foster independence in the essential English skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our students can expect bespoke lessons based on curriculum stage appropriate resources, rooted in adaptive teaching, to fulfil their potential. We want students to feel confident to return to schooling or to further education or training, as competence in English is paramount in everyday life.
English is key to opening up the worlds and voices of our students, including through creating their own compositions, reading progressively complex texts, developing analytical and critical skills, and presenting their own ideas in a range of ways. Lessons are structured to allow student voice to shine through in dedicated 1 to 1 sessions and small group work. Lessons are closely linked to the home school curriculum and adapted to the needs of the individual and their key stage or focus on specific skills gaps due to school absence.
We aim to foster confidence, reflection skills and resilience through enriched learning experiences. Our links to our incredible story-teller, Michael, who works with groups at both our Outreach and RD&E hospital school locations, is a magical time of interaction and the resulting stories by the students are truly a joy to behold!
- Michael, our storyteller from Read for Good
- Book delivery from Read for Good
Our reading culture is supported by ‘Read for Good’, who supply us with fantastic up to the minute books, in a variety of genres. Students are encouraged to read in our sessions and to take books home with them to enjoy. We also take part in World Book Day events. We model good reading habits and enjoy discussing our experiences.
At DHSSS, we want students to be inspired and enjoy the freedom of using their English skills confidently and with pride.