English

English as a core subject is pivotal to so many of the other subjects taught at St George's School.

The main aims of the English Department are to develop pupils' abilities to communicate effectively and enthusiastically in speech, writing and to be able to listen with understanding. The curriculum enables the pupils to become keen and responsive readers and have the confidence to take these skills beyond the classroom and indeed St George's. The syllabus is drawn from the National Curriculum and the requirements for Common Entrance.

English is taught as a separate specialist subject and is organised so that key skills and concepts are covered within the lessons. Up to Year 3, English is taught by the class teacher in mixed ability groups and then pupils are set into two streamed groups from Year 4. In Year 8 there is also a scholarship set. There is also plenty of support available from our AEN department either on an individual basis or within the classroom situation.

There is an increasing range of resources used within the English Department. We hold a large stock of text books and class readers spread across the teaching rooms and the younger pupils have access to a range of reading schemes and individual personal reading books. Classes are timetabled at least one library session a week where they can borrow and use books from our excellent library under the guidance of a qualified librarian. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard which opens up a wealth of ICT resources that can be used to enhance the lessons and the pupils' understanding and enjoyment of the subject.

Learning English is never boring at St George's. There is always something interesting happening whether it is World Book Day, Book Week, National Poetry Day, a visit from an author or drama group, a trip to the theatre, a debate, preparing an assembly, presenting a role-play, displaying good work on the wall or simply gaining a plus for a spelling test. The Head of Department is also the Editor of the annual School Magazine, so there is always ample opportunity for the pupils to have their work published for a wider audience.