English Department

Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 study a broad and balanced curriculum in line with the demands of the Northern Ireland programme of study.  They work on the development of their reading, writing and speaking and listening skills as we strive to foster an enjoyment of drama, prose and poetry as well as the ability to understand and analyse media and non-fiction texts.  Students develop the skills necessary to become active participants in, and positive contributors to the world around them.

Assessment at Key Stage 3 is on-going daily but happens officially three times a year in assessments which focus on the various processes – reading, writing and speaking and listening. 

Work done during Years 8, 9 and 10 links directly with the demands of GCSE to ensure effective progression and continuity across both key stages.
 
Accelerated Reader

Every student in Years 8 and 9 is encouraged to read through participation in the Accelerated Reader programme.

As Doctor Zeuss says, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!”
 

How does Accelerated Reader work?
 

Students are first of all tested to get a reading age and to identify what level of book they should be reading.  Some registration time is then devoted to reading for pleasure during school.  Students take their Accelerated Reader book home to continue their reading independently.  Once the book is finished, students do a test online to see how much they have remembered and understood.  They then choose a new book from the library and the process starts again.  Reading ages and the number of books read and quizzes passed are reported to parents three times a year.

At Coleraine College, we believe that reading is vital to learning and developing literacy.  Parents and guardians are encouraged to read with their child daily for 15 minutes and to discuss what they have read.

Ways to support reading:
 

1. Read yourself - set a good example and let your child know that reading is an important part of your life

2. Talk - discuss what you are reading and why you are enjoying it

3. Value books - make sure your child has their own special place for books in their bedroom; give books and things to read as presents

4. Visit your library - it's free to join!

5. Don't just read books - get your child to read newspapers, TV guides, comics and magazines, cookery books, the internet, the Argos catalogue

6. Let your child read with their younger siblings

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Reluctant and less confident readers should check out the range of books available from Barrington Stoke publishers.  Visit their website below:
 

http://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/

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In their own words, they are ‘dedicated to cracking reading’!