At The Sky Academy, our intent is to provide a purposeful and inclusive English curriculum that inspires confidence, promotes literacy, and nurtures a lifelong love of reading. We aim to meet the diverse needs of our SEMH/SLCN learners by delivering a curriculum that supports the development of both academic and functional literacy, whilst nurturing skills that enable students to express themselves clearly, both verbally and in writing. Our English curriculum is designed to close gaps in prior learning, build core communication skills, and ensure students are well prepared for adulthood, whilst always encouraging independence, resilience, and motivation. We place high importance on reading for pleasure and aim to foster a culture where every student sees reading as a valuable and enjoyable part of life. Across the school, we expose all students to a wide range of high-quality texts that explore different genres. We aim to develop and equip students with the skills needed to be able to access the English language GCSE, NCFE Functional Skills qualifications, and wider curriculum content once in Upper School.
English is delivered in small, supportive groups that allow for personalised teaching and learning, with a focus on building trust, routine, and engagement. Our teaching approach is trauma-informed and responsive to the SEMH needs of our students, embedding social and emotional learning alongside academic goals. Reading is a central part of our curriculum, with daily opportunities for shared, modelled, and independent reading. Interventions and diagnostic assessments are used regularly to identify gaps and tailor support, accordingly. We prioritise the development of functional skills in reading, writing, and spoken language, ensuring that all students gain confidence in everyday communication. Carefully structured schemes of learning integrate diverse texts, encourage critical thinking, and prepare students for formal assessments at both GCSE and Functional Skills levels.
Our impact is measured not only through academic outcomes but also through improved engagement, confidence, and resilience in learning. Students demonstrate measurable progress in both functional and academic literacy, closing the attainment gap and achieving qualifications that support their post-16 aspirations. They leave The Sky Academy with improved reading ages, enhanced vocabulary, and the ability to express themselves clearly in a range of contexts. Just as importantly, they leave with a greater appreciation for literature and the confidence to use language as a tool for success in life, learning, and employment. This can be measured by:
