English

Speaking and Listening

Discussion and oral presentations are a core aspect of many lessons and play a crucial part in vocabulary development. Lessons are designed to encourage speaking and listening for all students and often incorporate opportunities to present or perform using oral skills.

Reading

Reading is a crucial skill that supports learning across the whole curriculum. We place our focus on fostering a love of books and literature among our students. Children are taught to read, initially through the development of phonic knowledge and the sharing and discussion of books.

We read in different ways at BSY to ensure that students develop reading habits that will remain with them throughout their school life and beyond.

Writing

English Language lessons encourage students to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively in a range of genres. Students learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and plays, as well as non-fiction and media texts.

The structure of the language is explored through work on grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting. Attention to these important areas ensures that creative and imaginative ideas are presented in an organised manner.

Regular “Big Writing” tasks encourage students to utilise their writing skills in extended pieces of work. Selected pieces will be identified for editing and final presentation for display or their writing portfolios.

Drama

Drama provides excellent opportunities for creative exploration, expression and performance, as well as the exploration of contemporary and historical issues in an imaginative way.

Drama is an integral part of the English Language curriculum. It includes dramatic play, story enactment, imagination journeys, theatre, games, music and dance. Every pupil takes part in at least one drama production per year.

Through play and performance pupils develop a sense of ease in public situations. Every student will enjoy the opportunity to play a role in a class assembly and an annual production within every year.