English
English Curriculum Statement:
Intent
The intent of the Alternative English Curriculum at Freshsteps Independent School is to provide a highly inclusive, structured and therapeutic approach to literacy that enables all pupils with Special Educational Needs to access, engage with and succeed in English.
Our curriculum is designed to rebuild foundational skills where gaps exist, with a strong emphasis on phonics, reading, writing and communication. We recognise that many of our pupils arrive with disrupted educational experiences and low confidence in literacy. Therefore, our intent is to develop fluent readers, confident speakers and competent writers, equipping pupils with the essential skills required for both examinations and life in modern Britain.
We aim to foster a love of reading through exposure to high-quality texts such as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and War Horse, which not only develop comprehension but also encourage critical thinking, empathy and moral understanding. Through these texts, pupils are supported to explore complex themes, question perspectives and develop their own voice.
In addition, the curriculum prioritises spelling, handwriting and spoken language, ensuring pupils can communicate effectively, present their ideas clearly and build confidence in both academic and social settings. Ultimately, our intent is to remove barriers to learning, promote independence and ensure all pupils can access meaningful opportunities beyond school.
Implementation
The Alternative English Curriculum is delivered through a personalised, adaptive and multi-sensory approach, tailored to meet the individual needs of each pupil.
• Phonics and Literacy Interventions:
Targeted phonics programmes are embedded daily to support decoding, fluency and reading accuracy. Interventions are structured, repetitive and scaffolded to ensure progression and retention.
• Reading for Meaning and Enjoyment:
Pupils engage with a range of carefully selected texts, including novels, short stories and functional reading materials. Guided reading sessions focus on comprehension, inference and discussion, enabling pupils to think critically and articulate their views.
• Writing and Spelling Development:
Writing is taught through structured frameworks, allowing pupils to build sentences, paragraphs and extended pieces with increasing independence. There is a consistent focus on improving spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation.
• Handwriting and Presentation:
Handwriting is explicitly taught to improve legibility, fine motor skills and pride in written work. Pupils are supported to present their work clearly and confidently.
• Speaking and Listening:
Oracy is a key component of the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to express their ideas, participate in discussions and develop confidence in speaking in both small groups and whole-class settings.
• Confidence and Engagement:
Lessons are delivered in a supportive environment where pupils feel safe to take risks and make progress. Staff use encouragement, modelling and positive reinforcement to build resilience and self-belief.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils can progress towards functional skills, GCSE pathways where appropriate, and real-life communication skills.
Impact
The impact of the Alternative English Curriculum is evident in the rapid development of literacy skills, confidence and independence among pupils.
• Pupils demonstrate improved reading ability, including increased fluency, comprehension and enjoyment of books.
• There is measurable progress in phonics knowledge and spelling accuracy, enabling pupils to access a wider curriculum.
• Writing skills improve significantly, with pupils able to construct sentences and extended pieces with greater clarity and purpose.
• Handwriting and presentation show clear development, reflecting increased pride in work.
• Pupils develop confidence in speaking and listening, contributing to discussions and expressing their ideas more effectively.
• Exposure to texts such as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and War Horse enhances critical thinking, allowing pupils to explore themes such as empathy, conflict and moral choice, and apply these to their understanding of the world.
Beyond academic outcomes, pupils show increased self-esteem, engagement and resilience. They begin to see themselves as capable learners, able to succeed in both education and wider society.
The English curriculum supports pupils in achieving accessible qualifications, preparing them for further education, employment and independent living. Most importantly, it equips them with the literacy skills necessary to navigate and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
