English and Reading

At All Hallows, we recognise the central importance of language as a vehicle through which our children learn to articulate and express their thoughts, as well as giving access to the whole curriculum and the world around them. Whether through reading, writing, speaking or listening, we aim to empower our children in developing their communication skills so that they can make the most of their school lives.

English in the Junior Department is taught by class teachers, who know each pupil well and can track the development of their language skills not only in English lessons, but across the curriculum. We endeavour to inspire our children to enjoy language through poetry and reading as well as introducing many different forms of writing. All the time, excellent basics are being developed – these are the key building blocks for later learning.  Speaking and listening are equally essential strands, and our children are given many opportunities to express and explain their ideas and present their work to peers.

As children move into the Years 7 and 8, they transition to specialist teaching. Again, instilling and inspiring a love of literature is key and our children experience a journey through the great novelists, from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Austen and Hardy. At this stage we also continue to provide opportunities for the children to develop their speaking and listening skills. Debating and public speaking sessions form part of the curriculum, while Year 6 and 7 children complete English Speaking Board examinations in the Summer Term of each year.

Our library

A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.

As a school, we recognise the vital role of reading in inspiring creativity and imagination in children, in addition to helping them to develop their language skills. Our library in the heart of the school is equipped with the Accelerated Reader system, which enables teachers and parents to track the progress of their children’s reading, as well as incentivising and enthusing our pupils in their reading choices.

Reading is a central part of our children’s lives and a strong reading culture in the school enables this.