English

In the English Department, we recognise that English is at the heart of our culture. English is taught with reference to the National Curriculum although we tend to teach far beyond these restrictions in order to foster a lasting enjoyment and appreciation of all forms of Language and Literature. Excellent literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing and speaking and listening are also vital to our pupils’ learning in other subjects across the curriculum. We hope, above all, to keep alive children’s talent for self-expression by feeding their imaginations and instilling in them great confidence in all their communications.

Girl working
Boy working
Girl reading

Co-curricular
Excellent literacy skills in the areas of reading, writing and speaking and listening are vital to our pupils’ learning in other subjects across the curriculum. Therefore we work closely with other departments including the Humanities, Science and Drama to ensure key skills are developed and supported and opportunities for cross-curricular learning experiences are fostered and encouraged. Author visits and workshops occur regularly throughout the year allowing children to learn from, and be inspired by, professional writers, illustrators and actors.

Senior School Links
We have strong links with the Senior School English Department ensuring a smooth transition between Year 6 and Year 7. When possible we run joint trips to relevant activities such as author talks and theatre productions.

Pre-Prep and Year 3 to Year 6
In our Pre-Prep pupils, we develop pupils’ ability to communicate effectively in speech & writing and their understanding of spoken and written language, so that they become enthusiastic and responsive speakers, listeners, readers and writers. In Years 3 and 4, pupils build on their previous knowledge and skills by reading a range of suitable texts by authors and poets such as Roald Dahl, Eoin Colfer and Terry Jones. They are introduced to a range of writing styles and consolidate key spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. In Years 5 and 6, pupils are challenged and inspired by an increasingly sophisticated selection of texts and plays by authors such as Frank Cottrell Boyce, Rosemary Sutcliff, Kevin Crossley Holland, Michael Morpurgo and William Shakespeare. They also develop their writing skills taking into account style and purpose. Throughout the school, we cultivate speaking and listening skills through drama, role play and public speaking.