English is the foundation for all learning.
The ability to communicate with confidence and clarity is essential to becoming active participants in wider society. Therefore, our curriculum is broad and ambitious, rich in both knowledge and skills.

Furthermore, the study of English forms the basis of our human development. Through the lens of literature we gain a deeper understanding of humanity and our relationship with the world in which we live.

We aim to encourage our pupils to think critically and analytically, to feel empathy and compassion, to inspire a life-long love of reading, to stimulate imaginations and for pupils to be proud of their own creations and achievements.

A high-quality English education ensures all students:

• Develop confident reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
• Can analyse and interpret a wide range of texts from different periods and cultures
• Are able to communicate clearly and effectively in various contexts and forms
• Develop a lifelong love of literature and language
• Can express themselves creatively and imaginatively
• Gain the skills to succeed across the wider curriculum and in their future lives

Key concepts in English are:

• Metaphor: the ways in which we use language to create meaning
• Narrative: the ways narratives are constructed
• Argument: the knowledge needed to debate and persuade
• Pattern: the ways texts are organised
• Grammar: the ability to make judgements about what has and can be communicated
• Context: the literary, historical, social and theoretical knowledge needed to understand the ways texts have been produced and received