English Department

Head of English:  Mr R. Kirk

English staff:    Mrs J. Jordan
                            Miss C.Avery
                            Mrs J.Brown
                            Mrs G. Clements
                            Mrs S. Lowe
                            Mrs C.Symonds
                            Mrs C. White
                            Miss V.Pells
                            Mrs H. Almond

Aims and Objectives of the English Department

“The whole world opened to me when I learned to read.” – Mary McLeod Bethune

Aims

We aim to teach pupils a full range of English skills. These are reflected in the modes of reading, writing, speaking, listening and drama. The skills taught in all these areas will range from the key stages of the Foundation Stage, through the National Curriculum to the sophisticated skills necessary for Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations.

English should develop pupil’s abilities to communicate effectively in speech and writing and to listen with understanding. It should enable them to be enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers and to give them the confidence to use the skills that they have learnt effectively.

Specific Objectives

Reading

To develop effective and enthusiastic readers, pupils should be taught to:

• Understand and respond to the texts they read and that are read to them
• Develop an appreciation of a variety of literature and non-fiction texts
• Read accurately, fluently and with understanding
• Read, analyse and evaluate a wide range of texts including literature from the English literary heritage and from other cultures and traditions

Writing

To develop as expressive and effective writers, pupils should be taught to:

• Share and discuss their writing with the teacher
• Communicate meaning
• Develop ideas logically
• Experience a wide variety of writing for different purposes
• Use appropriate presentation, grammar, spelling, punctuation and to write legibly
• Use a wide range of vocabulary and effective style

Speaking and Listening

To develop effective speaking and listening, pupils should be taught to:

• Develop oral and aural skills
• Formulate, clarify and express their ideas
• Listen, understand and respond appropriately to others
• Adapt their speech to a widening range of circumstances and demands
• Use the vocabulary of standard English

Discussing poetry using the Interactive Whiteboards