We teach English because it is vital that children can communicate effectively.
The majority of experiences in school promote the child's development of language.
The National Curriculum divides this subject into three sections:

1. Speaking and Listening. Talk has such a vital role in the learning process, enabling pupils to articulate their thinking and communicate effectively. We take seriously the idea that children need to extend their abilities in this area and lessons are planned where pupils are given the opportunity to talk for a range of purposes for instance;
(explaining ideas and opinions, describing events, enacting stories or poems, reporting).

2. Reading. Reading is central to the curriculum. We believe that success in this area is vital in developing children's self-confidence and enabling the child to become an independent learner. Staff use the framework and objectives of the National Literacy Strategy to teach pupils the range of reading skills and strategies required for them to become fluent and confident readers of fiction, poetry and non-fiction.
Oxford Reading Tree is the main reading scheme used to support your child's individual development in reading, especially at the Infant stage; your child will also encounter a wide range of texts through whole class, group, and individual work during the daily Literacy Hour, as well as within other curriculum subjects.

A careful check is kept on each pupil's progress, including the use of standardised reading tests. A Reading Record, in the form of a book, passes between home and school; we hope you will feel able to record encouraging comments in this book when you listen to your child read or read with them.

3. Writing. We wish to enable our children to write with confidence, enjoyment and with an understanding of the conventions and structures of written English. Linking very closely to work in reading, staff use the framework of the National Literacy Strategy and its objectives for writing to plan writing experiences appropriate for the age of the children; staff teach pupils how to write in a range of forms, for a variety of reasons and for a range of audiences.
Writing is an important form of communication and it is vital that children master the technical skills; spelling, handwriting and grammar are taught specifically, as well as within general writing.