English
Our aim is to offer stimulating and enjoyable English lessons which develop each individual child’s potential and ability to speak articulately, read confidently and write accurately and engagingly.
Inspectors have often noted the exceptional standard of our creative writing programme. In all years, we focus on specific study of grammar and handwriting. Throughout the school, our children encounter a wide variety of age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction texts.
Our children’s interest in reading is fostered within the classroom through exposure to a wide range of engaging texts and amplified by theatre trips, author visits (for example, Fleur Hitchcock, author of The Boy Who Flew; and Konnie Huq, author of the 'Cookie' series) and the exciting events held each year on World Book Day.
Children enjoy weekly lessons in our beautiful well-stocked library which is situated at the heart of the main school building. The library is also open at lunchtimes for children to change their books independently and seek advice and recommendations.
Throughout the Prep Department, our spelling programme is taught by the children's English teachers. Spelling is reinforced in children's independent writing; they are supported to identify and correct common errors, and to find strategies for memorising spelling patterns. The Learning Support Department works alongside English teachers to assist children who require further support. Homework and spellings are set weekly, and children are also expected to spend a little time reading each day.
Favourite Curriculum Authors:
Year 3
- Cressida Cowell
- S.F. Said
- Ted Hughes
Year 4
- Michael Morpurgo
- Sophie McKenzie
Year 5
- Malorie Blackman
- Philip Pullman
- Anthony Horowitz
- Katherine Rundell
Year 6
- Ali Sparke
- Carol Ann Duffy
- Michelle Margorian
