English
English is clearly one of the most important cross-curricular subjects and as such, is taught across the subject barriers. It is the language in which we think and through which we communicate. Nevertheless, specific skills and concepts are inevitably the province of the English subject teacher and these are addressed in accordance with the National Literacy Strategy, outlines of which are in the various Schemes of Work relating to each year group.
In the Pre-Prep, pupils are taught by their form teacher and this continues through KS1 into the main school until year 5. Each class has seven or eight periods of English until years 6,7 and 8 when six are allocated.
The aim of the English Department is to engender a love of literature and an enjoyment in the use of language in all its many forms. Pupils are shown how to experiment with different styles of creative writing whether based on personal experience, description, narration, poetry, play scripts, letters, summaries, reports or discursive material. Apart from Year 5 who have a weekly Drama lesson, Drama is incorporated within the English schemes of work. (For Drama web pages click here)
Much emphasis is placed on the importance of a sound basis in grammar, spelling, punctuation and handwriting and pupils are encouraged to take a pride in both the content and the presentation of their work.
To this end, pupils are assisted in developing their computer skills and most pupils spend at least one English lesson a week in the Computer Rooms. One English classroom does, in fact, have three computers and a colour printer available for use throughout the school day.
Reading is, of course, absolutely central to the teaching of English and pupils are advised to read from a wide range of literature, including both fiction and non-fiction. Each year group is provided with a reading list appropriate to its level and children are shown how to make full use of our excellent library. Throughout normal English lessons, novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction material is constantly being presented to and enjoyed by children.
Speaking and listening is also an integral part of English lessons and pupils are encouraged to participate actively in group work, to prepare talks, discuss views and issues and also to learn to listen carefully and considerately to the views of others. Much of this work is extended during Drama lessons and we also have a Public Speaking competition once a year for the top two years.
Within the first six weeks of entering Reception, formal assessment of children takes place and this continues throughout the school at different stages. Tests used are: the Baseline Assessment, PIPS, Mist, Reading and Spelling assessments, screening by the Special Needs Department, N.F.E.R., the Suffolk Reading Scale and the Schonell Spelling Test and the Neale Analysis.
The aims of the English Department are to enable pupils to communicate effectively through speaking and writing and to acknowledge and respond to the views of others through reading and listening.
ISI Inspection report 2011"The personal development of the pupils is outstanding."
