English Department

Head of Department: Mr David Burke (providing maternity cover whilst Miss Natasha Kostka is on maternity leave)

English is central to the curriculum as pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing that they will need to participate in society and employment. The role of the teacher is to help each child reach his or her potential and to foster an enjoyment of literature. Whether this be in the form of prose, poetry, fiction or non-fiction. Our aim is for pupils to become confident communicators who are able to express themselves creatively and imaginatively.

"My father told me once that words and letters hold the secrets of the universe. That in their shapes and sounds I could find everything." Eliza in the movie 'Bee Season'

The teaching of English can be divided into four main strands:

• Key concepts: Competence, creativity and critical understanding
• Key processes: Speaking and listening, reading, writing, composition and technical accuracy
• Range and content: Speaking and listening, reading, writing
• Curriculum opportunities: Pupils should be offered opportunities through their language activities that are integral to their learning and enhance their engagement with the concepts, processes and content of the subject