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1English programmes of study : key stage 4 National curriculum in England July 2014
2Purpose of study
3English has a pre_-_eminent place in education and in society .
4A high_-_quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so_that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening , others can communicate with them . Through reading in particular , pupils have a chance to develop culturally , emotionally , intellectually , socially and spiritually .
5Literature , especially , plays a key role in such development .
6Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know . All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society ; pupils , therefore , who do not learn to speak , read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised .
7Aims
8The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word , and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment .
9The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils : <bull> read easily , fluently and with good understanding <bull> develop the habit of reading widely and often , for both pleasure and information <bull> acquire a wide vocabulary , an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading , writing and spoken language <bull> appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage <bull> write clearly , accurately and coherently , adapting their language and style in_and_for a range of contexts , purposes and audiences <bull> use discussion in_order to learn ; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas <bull> are competent in the arts of speaking and listening , making formal presentations , demonstrating to others and participating in debate .
10Spoken language
11The national curriculum for English reflects the importance of spoken language in pupils ' development across the whole curriculum -- cognitively , socially and linguistically . Spoken language continues to underpin the development of pupils ' reading and writing during key stage 4 and teachers should therefore ensure pupils ' confidence and competence in this area continue to develop . Pupils should be taught to understand and use the conventions for discussion and debate , as_well_as continuing to develop their skills in working collaboratively with their peers to discuss reading , writing and speech across the curriculum .
12Reading and writing
13Reading at key stage 4 should be wide , varied and challenging .
14Pupils should be expected to read whole books , to read in depth and to read for pleasure and information .
15Pupils should continue to develop their knowledge of and skills in writing , refining their drafting skills and developing resilience to write at length . They should be taught to write formal and academic essays as_well_as writing imaginatively . They should be taught to write for a variety of purposes and audiences across a range of contexts . This requires an increasingly wide knowledge of vocabulary and grammar .
16Opportunities for teachers to enhance pupils ' vocabulary will arise naturally from their reading and writing .
17Teachers should show pupils how to understand the relationships between words , how to understand nuances in meaning , and how to develop their understanding of , and ability to use , figurative language .
18Pupils should be taught to control their speaking and writing consciously , understand why sentences are constructed as they are and to use Standard English . They should understand and use age_-_appropriate vocabulary , including linguistic and literary terminology , for discussing their reading , writing and spoken language . This involves consolidation , practice and discussion of language .
19It is important that pupils learn the correct grammatical terms in English and that these terms are integrated within teaching . Teachers should build on the knowledge and skills that pupils have been taught at key stage 3 . Decisions about progression should be based on the security of pupils ' linguistic knowledge , skills and understanding and their readiness to progress to the next stage .
20Pupils whose linguistic development is more advanced should be challenged through being offered opportunities for increased breadth and depth in reading and writing .
21Those who are less fluent should consolidate their knowledge , understanding and skills , including_through additional practice .