Communication Curriculum

Subject aim

We aim to develop students’ literacy and communication skills in order that they become proficient and confident in their use of the written and spoken word. Our students are taught to accurately express their ideas and views in both speech and writing and to appreciate and engage with the views of others through reading. In improving the quality of their literacy and communication, we increase their access to the wider curriculum and strive to have an impact on their broader academic work, as well as their employability skills.

Details about curriculum structure

The Communication curriculum covers three key areas:

Across Years 7, 8 and 9, the Communication curriculum covers the three key areas of Oracy, Written Communication and Information Gathering. The curriculum is designed to build from the knowledge gained in Key Stage 2 and provide students with access to a range of texts, ideas and writing styles across each year. Students are routinely encouraged to reflect upon their progress and given opportunities to refine and develop their skills.

Oracy

Through their development of verbal communication skills our students will become engaging and articulate speakers, with the confidence that comes from knowing that they can express their ideas clearly and powerfully. Communication students take part in formal debates, class discussions, group activities and individual presentations, all designed to embed the knowledge of how to be an effective speaker.

Written Communication

Strong written communication skills are at the heart of the Communication curriculum. Our students will be able to write accurately, clearly and concisely; they will know how to effectively and efficiently organise their ideas. By studying and producing speech scripts, articles and infographics, students learn to write with clarity, style and purpose in a variety of formats, and for a variety of audiences.

Information Gathering

Research and reading are vital parts of successful communication. Our students learn how to identify the information they need for the task at hand; they learn how to search for, filter and prioritise that information. Reading is strengthened through the combined development of students’ clarification, questioning, summary and prediction skills, using a range of texts and text types.

What will students study?

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Students are introduced to the fundamental features of debating and discussion – the basis of group work and productive professional and social relationships. They will learn basic research skills and develop their abilities in reading for meaning. Across the year they will engage with a range of texts and begin to explore social issues such as homelessness, before producing their own pieces of viewpoint writing.

Year 8

Students begin with a series of small-group debates, taking greater responsibility for organising and developing their points. They learn new strategies for gathering, filtering and organising information – essential knowledge for effective self-learning and revision habits – and apply these in their work. Reading skills are developed through exposure to a range of forms and topics. As the year progresses, students will have the opportunity to express their views on topics important in society, as well as looking at genres such as travel writing.

Year 9

Students take part in debates and discussions and consider scenarios such as interviews and meetings. Students develop and practise strategies for gathering, filtering and organising information. They learn how to effectively retrieve and structure information, which supports self-learning and revision strategies. Towards the end of the year, they explore texts and produce writing which links to the wider world and allows them to consider their place in society.

Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities in the subject

Students are able to partake in a variety of extra-curricular activities, in partnership with the school library. These include: a student librarian team, creative writing activities, author visits and a book club.

Where could this subject ultimately take you?

The knowledge acquired by students in the course of the Communication curriculum underpins success in all areas of life: academic, social and professional. The ability to communicate confidently, precisely and powerfully will allow our students to impress examiners, make friends, influence employers, win clients and achieve all of the goals they set themselves in order to build happy and successful lives.

Links to other sites which support study in our subject

https://literacytrust.org.uk/

https://noisyclassroom.com/

Contact details to find out more about our curriculum

To find out more please contact:

Miss R Hall hallr@tmhs.rklt.co.ulk or

Mrs V Byrne byrnev@tmhs.rklt.co.uk

Communication Curriculum

Subject aim

Details about curriculum structure

Oracy

Written Communication

Information Gathering

What will students study?

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities in the subject

Where could this subject ultimately take you?

Links to other sites which support study in our subject

Contact details to find out more about our curriculum

Temple Moor High School & Sixth Form

About Red Kite Learning Trust

Quick links