Languages, Literacy & Communication

English Language

Ynys Hywel Learning Community

Our key priority is to develop our young people’s language skills and equip them with a level of English that will support them to manage any challenges they may face as adults in the real world.

The delivery of English through a variety of themes will support our young people to develop their language skills in real-life contexts with genuine purpose. These skills will be developed through engaging activities with a specific focus on improving:

  • Oracy
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing

Our ultimate goal is to prepare our young people with the skills to cope with the demands of external examinations, to enable them to achieve nationally recognised qualifications and prepare them to be effective citizens ready for the world of work.

At key Stage 3, our young people will study a number of themes, which are relevant to them, namely:

  • Smoking & Vaping.
  • Positive Relationships.
  • Digital Dependence.
  • The Working World.
  • Caring for others.
  • Health & Wellbeing.
  • Body Image.
  • Substance Misuse.

In addition to this, they will develop their language skills through ‘Independent Projects’ some examples of which, can be seen below:

  • A day abroad.
  • The impact of foods on the body.
  • The Aberfan Tragedy.
  • The power of sport.

Whilst improving their language skills, we also aim to encourage:

  • Analytical thought.
  • A passion for reading a variety of different media types.
  • A desire to explore other platforms e.g. theatre, music, drama.
  • Their ability to spell and punctuate their writing accurately.
  • To instil social, moral and ethical values.

Welsh Language

Ynys Hywel Learning Community

Understanding our heritage, culture, traditions and customs helps us develop a sense of pride as Welsh citizens. Our country has a rich history and developing our young peoples’ knowledge of where they come from along with their language skills in Oracy, Reading, Listening and Writing will support their identity as Welsh citizens and help them understand how Wales is part of a global community.

Our Welsh curriculum will be delivered using drop-down days each half-term and will focus heavily on the development of their Welsh language skills and on the history, culture and traditions of Wales. Our themes are as follows:

At Key Stage 3, learners will study themes. Included in each theme are opportunities to develop their skills:

  • It’s a working man I am.
  • The tragedy at Aberfan.
  • Eisteddfod.
  • Our place in the world.
  • Customs & Traditions.
  • Careers.

Modern Foreign Languages

Ynys Hywel Learning Community

Our Modern Languages curriculum will be delivered thematically and will focus on transactional situations that would support our young people should they venture abroad on holiday, for work or for other specific purposes. It will be delivered once every half-term through drop-down days and will be based on real-life contexts.

Whilst developing their modern foreign language skills, we aim to raise the importance of foreign languages and ensure learners understand the opportunities available to them in the wider world if they possess these additional language skills.

Our themes will help them to:

  • Meet and greet.
  • Order food & drink in a restaurant.
  • Buy food at a supermarket.
  • Book a hotel room.
  • Ask for directions.
  • Buy a ticket.