English

Each and every child should realise their full potential and we support them to achieve this through a variety of teaching methods and strategies.

Each teacher bringing their own passions, enthusiasm and teaching approach to the subject. Above all we aim to install a love of literature and language in all of our children, helping them to learn that there are worlds that exist beyond the classroom and that their lives can be enriched by literature.

We aim to develop children’s abilities to communicate effectively in speech and writing, and to listen with understanding, enabling them to become fluent, enthusiastic and responsive readers. We pursue goals which are designed to support the less capable children, whilst stretching stronger academic candidates. Reading and speaking in public, or presenting work orally in class, strengthens self-confidence and we place great emphasis on developing this valuable skill.

By the time they leave us, all children will have studied a variety of texts, developing their analytical skills. Our curriculum combines a variety of innovative and stimulating activities with the fundamental disciplines of grammar. We believe that reading for pleasure is the key to success and, with this in mind, the children are invited to take part in The Reading Challenge, reading 5 books from 5 different genres.

Learning about English doesn’t end in the classroom, and we organise theatre trips, visiting speakers, performers and much more. As a school we celebrate World Book Day and National Poetry Day.

We also hold our own House Poetry Competition where every child in the Prep school learns a poem to perform to their House. The whole House also learns a poem to perform as a group and the final is judged by the Head of English or Head of Drama at Malvern College -to ensure absolute fairness and no conflict of interest!