English

Our curriculum for English includes reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.

We aim to ensure that all pupils:

• Are reading for pleasure and reading a wide variety of texts
• Read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
• Read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• Are enjoying poetry, fiction and non-fiction ranging from modern books to the classics from our rich cultural heritage
• Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions
• Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
• Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debates
• Are taught debating and presenting skills
• Write with increasing speed, maintaining legibility and style
• Write across the curriculum – core skills should be transferred to independent writing in all subjects
• Write clearly, accurately and coherently adapting language and style
• Develop a fluent, legible style of handwriting

We use Kinetic Letters to teach handwriting and presentation skills. We set high standards for these skills and award certificates in Celebration Assembly. This high standard is expected in all written work across the subjects, not just in English. We also present an annual award for excellence in Handwriting and Presentation.