At Critchill School we believe that English and literacy skills are a fundamental life skill enabling our pupils to develop all forms of communication. We strive to extend and deepen these skills through a cross- curricular approach inspired by quality texts. The knowledge and skills involved in speaking and listening, reading and writing are a necessary preparation to allow our pupils to effectively engage in adult life.

We aim to provide a lively, stimulating environment in which staff are committed to promoting a wide variety of literary experiences at a level that ‘addresses a young person’s needs at their point of learning’ and is appropriate to the learning styles, needs and motivations of each pupil.  

Our profoundly personalised curriculum ensures that individual personal learning intentions are at the heart of our planning. Functional English skills prepare our pupils for life beyond Critchill School and the National Curriculum programmes of study are used to ensure breadth of coverage.

Learning includes daily phonics and English lessons and a cross curricular, thematic approach. We teach English skills in a variety of curriculum subjects, environments and in events that pupils encounter throughout the school day such as playtimes.

In Key Stage 4 and Post 16 those pupils whom it is deemed an appropriate learning need will follow the Functional Skills accreditations.