The aim of English at Eastnor Primary School is to provide children with a curriculum, environment and teaching staff that enable children to have an adept use of, as well as a love of, the English language.  By immersing children in stories, poems, rhymes, limericks (to name but a few), we aim to develop and further the skills of every individual, as well as to engender a love of and a passion for reading and writing which crosses all subjects and equips children for their whole life.

Children at Eastnor Primary School are encouraged to think creatively.  Whilst teachers ensure that the correct curriculum is taught according to the 2014 New National Curriculum, as a school we readily embrace opportunities that enable children to think and work ‘outside of the box’.  The role of teacher can be traced back to Ancient Greece, with Socrates in the 5^th Century BC as the keystone of what we now consider to be modern education.  The pedagogy of teaching at Eastnor Primary School ensures that the interests, abilities and learning styles of all children in English is nurtured, supported and extended.

At Eastnor Primary School, all children are taught the rudiments as well as the intricacies of reading, writing, spelling, grammar and handwriting.  This takes place through timetabled sessions as well as through discreet teaching, inside and outside of the classroom.  Homework supports the children’s learning and progress in English across all classes, with children taking part in activities at home which support recent or ongoing learning in school.  Our newly embedded text-based approach encourages the reading and sharing of key, challenging texts at home and at school, with a focus particularly on learning and discussing new vocabulary as well as studying author styles, literary devices and much more.

At Eastnor Primary School we encourage cross curriculum teaching, whereby children experience an understanding of how learning links across a range of subjects. The teaching of English also contributes significantly to the teaching of other subjects in our school by actively promoting the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Children are encouraged to ask perceptive questions, to argue and debate and to think critically in subjects such as History and Science.  These skills are developed through the teaching of English and children in Key Stage 2 use the forum of local schools’ debating competitions to hone their skills even further.  Through being part of whole school plays and assemblies, as well as being part of different school councils, all children are encouraged to speak, to perform and to listen to one another in a variety of situations.

At Eastnor Primary School we value and appreciate the local surroundings of our school.  Through our English curriculum we aim to ensure that all children are given the opportunities and experiences to explore reading, writing, speaking and listening in a variety of inspirational settings.  This might be writing poetry in the style of John Masefield with a visiting poet in the Deer Park, composing and re-telling adventure stories down at our Forest School site or designing a garden for the Malvern Spring Show inspired by Ossiri and the Bala Mengro. Learning in English at our school is varied and stimulating, just like the authors and texts that the children read and study.  English has to be fun and informative, inspirational and instructive and at Eastnor Primary School we strive to achieve this every single day.

Cultural Capital in the English Curriculum

Spiritual development: Through the study of a range of genres and authors, pupils are given opportunities to reflect on their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspective on life. Pupils are encouraged to show an interest in, and respect for, different people’s faiths, feelings and values.

Moral development: Pupils are asked to consider and comment on moral questions and dilemmas. Events and beliefs in literature will sometimes be at odds with what we would consider acceptable. Pupils will be encouraged to show compassion for people facing dilemmas and to empathise with decisions which people (non-fiction) and characters (fiction) make and the reasoning behind these decisions. Notions of right and wrong are explored, linking with the value of justice.

Social development: Through a range of texts, pupils will explore the similarities and contrasts between past and present societies and be made aware of how, in the main, we are very fortunate to live in ‘the modern world’ which links with the value of thankfulness. Through carefully selected reading material, children will be given opportunities to examine how other cultures have had a major impact on the development of ‘British’ culture. Pupils will also be encouraged to build their own social development through collaborative and team working activities in English lessons.

Cultural development: Through the study of a range of genres and authors, pupils are given opportunities to empathise with people from different cultural backgrounds. They will examine how other cultures have had a major impact on the development of ’British’ culture. Pupils develop a better understanding of our multicultural society through studying authors from a range of backgrounds

Please find out more about Early Reading and Phonics and how we Develop a love of reading by following the links below.