Within the English department we seek to develop fully the individual child’s power of expression and response in speaking and listening, reading and writing, to enable children to become confident in their use of language.

The National Literacy Strategies at Key Stages 2 and 3 provide the framework of our schemes of work. They include a balance between the teaching of language and literature and provide the children with access to a wide variety of both non-fiction and fictional texts. Our lessons are varied to ensure pupils are given the opportunity to become competent at writing for a range of purposes and audiences, to become confident contributors to discussions and to encourage a love of reading.

A range of text books are used to support pupils at all levels of ability as they progress through the school. Pupils’ progress is monitored and developed using a variety of techniques.

English pupils show off their punctuation skills

At Alban we feel that English is not just about studying books. Drama is incorporated within English lessons in all year groups. We also have visits to the theatre and invite touring theatre groups to perform in school. Furthermore, we aim to provide opportunities to have visits from authors and poets to share their experience and offer invaluable advice about the writing process.

At lunchtimes there are opportunities for pupils to attend clubs. These include additional time for those who enjoy writing or who find reading and discussing books pleasurable. The library is also available for pupils to borrow both non-fiction and fiction books or to use the area for personal study time.

All children have access to computers which gives them experience of developing their word processing skills, enhancing spoken presentations using multimedia as well as creating opportunities to use other language related software.

Above all, the English department aims to motivate all pupils through a provision of a balanced and regularly updated curriculum which challenges pupils of all abilities, thus enabling them to achieve their full potential.