ENGLISH

Reading lies at the very heart of our English curriculum. We are passionate about helping every boy discover the joy, wonder and excitement that books can bring, nurturing confident, enthusiastic readers from the very beginning. Our carefully chosen reading scheme has been created specifically to engage boys through a rich range of high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts that inspire curiosity and imagination.

Speaking and listening underpin all aspects of learning in English. Through conversation, storytelling, shared experiences and purposeful discussion, boys develop the vocabulary, confidence and communication skills needed to become thoughtful readers and writers. We encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, share ideas and talk deeply about the books they encounter.

Alongside developing a love of reading, we place great importance on the explicit teaching of writing. We understand how boys learn and recognise that writing skills often take longer to develop with confidence and independence. With this in mind, we strive to make writing meaningful, exciting and purposeful, giving boys real reasons to write through engaging themes, outdoor experiences, storytelling and cross-curricular learning opportunities.

Inspiration for creative writing is often found beyond the classroom. Our outdoor environment and Forest School sessions provide rich opportunities for imagination, exploration and language development, where stories, poems and ideas emerge naturally through first-hand experiences.