Dear Parent/Carer,
Thank you for your support throughout this academic year to encourage and motivate your young person to develop as an accomplished learner of English Language and Literature.
The HDHS English faculty is facilitating an opportunity for the momentum of learning to be continued during the summer break where possible. Various research studies have identified the summer break as slowing down reading and writing development in some students and sometimes undoing some of the previous development due to a complete ‘shutdown from learning’. In short, a total switch off can sometimes lead to the slowing of the development of writing and reading skills due to being out of practice. On the other hand, many studies also highlight the positive impact that a break from academic studies can have on a student’s well being and we agree that enjoying the summer break is beneficial to the student’s personal growth and we always promote a healthy balance of both.
HDHS English is providing an opportunity for students to keep in touch with learning and developing writing and reading skills but in a way that is not too demanding or time consuming during the summer break. The tasks are also linked to learning in September so the activity booklet supports the transition across year groups. It is not compulsory to complete these tasks however those that complete the suggested tasks will benefit from the following:
1. Continuing to learn at their own pace.
2. Give themselves a head start on learning the set topics for September.
3. Develop reading and writing skills.
4. Evidence independence, pride and effort in their learning.
Each student has been given a summer transition booklet which consists of:
Tasks relating to understanding the characters and plot of Romeo and Juliet
Tasks designed to develop essential vocabulary for the study of Romeo and Juliet
Tasks supporting the development of contextual understanding of the play
Thank you for your ongoing support.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me: hannah.siseman@hdhs.school
Kind Regards,
Miss H. Siseman
Assistant Director of English and Communications Faculty
