With more able pupils the analysis of text and poems is introduced and ability to move from concrete to abstract thought is developed. Pupils progress individually through the core reading scheme and when able are encouraged to chose independent readers from an appropriate supplementary range. Knowledge and understanding of other subjects is developed according to age and ability. Much of the class curriculum is taught through topic work following, where appropriate, the national curiosity and interests of the pupils. To support classroom learning, frequent visits are made to places of interest, with occaisional short residential trips for older pupils.
Homework is introduced to primary pupils so that classroom work and good work habits learned.
In this Department pupils are grouped more tightly according to ability, ranging from classes likely to take GCSE subjects, to a class of pupils with needs in addition to deafness. All Key Stages 3 and 4 National Curriculum subjects are taught except a Modern Foreign Language. The time made available by omitting a foreign language is given to the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, but particularly to English, where additional reading time is allocated. Reading groups are set according to reading age and ability. Once they become truly independent readers, pupils are encouraged to use the School's wide range of reading materials for private reading.