4, St German's Place

Blackheath

London SE3 0NJ

Tel: 020 8858 0692

English

“English is the language of the future, the language of the computer. English is the most important tool you’ll ever need, no matter what career you choose. You have the right to English. Make it your right!” Benjamin Zephaniah

English is recognised as being of paramount importance within the curriculum. It is a vital way of communicating throughout life. In studying English, our pupils develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. We believe that English is a subject in its own right but is also a tool for instruction and learning in all other areas of the curriculum.

Through studying English, our pupils develop a broad range of skills: reading, reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, grammar, creative and non-fiction writing, speaking and listening. Wherever possible, we find opportunities to develop cross-curricular links so the children write for a wide range of purposes and audiences. We aim to develop each child’s creativity and an enjoyment of reading and writing for their own sakes.

English at Blackheath Prep is based on the National Literacy Framework but enriched and extended to challenge and interest the children. We divide literacy into the following areas: creative writing, non-fiction, poetry, reading and reading comprehension, grammar and punctuation, spelling and dictation, handwriting, speaking and listening.

Children are taught English by their form teachers in the Pre-Prep. From Year 3 onwards, English is taught by specialist subject teachers. All teaching is in mixed ability form groups where children may work independently, in pairs, or in small groups with an adult, depending upon their task or their ability. We provide extra support for those children who are finding aspects of the subject difficult or for those who need challenging further. In this way we endeavour to tailor the curriculum to each child’s individual needs, thus enabling them to achieve their potential.

Drama is also taught to all classes by a specialist teacher throughout the school. Pupils have many opportunities to perform publicly at assemblies, productions and concerts. They are also given the opportunity to have individual and group Speech and Drama lessons and take LAMDA examinations.

We have a beautiful, well-stocked library housed in the school’s former chapel. It is used by all the children. The library is divided into fiction and non-fiction sections and has both a study area for research and a cosy area with sofas and cushions where children can curl up to enjoy a good read.