English

At Carleton House Preparatory School, we are dedicated to nurturing a love for language, literacy, and communication in all of our pupils. Our English curriculum is taught by experienced teachers and incorporates lessons built around the Ready Steady Write scheme of work, providing a structured, engaging, and inspiring approach to writing, reading, and speaking.

Ready Steady Write is a comprehensive scheme that emphasises the development of key literacy skills in a fun and accessible way. It is designed to instil confidence in young learners as they master the foundational aspects of writing, spelling, and grammar, progressing through various stages with age-appropriate goals and challenges.

Key features of our English Curriculum:

Progressive Writing Skills:

From Reception through to Year 6, pupils work through clearly defined stages that ensure the systematic development of their writing abilities. Starting with letter formation and phonics in the early years, we gradually introduce more complex sentence structures, vocabulary expansion, and creative writing techniques.

Grammar and Punctuation:

Each stage of the curriculum is designed to enhance pupils' understanding of grammar and punctuation, essential building blocks for clear communication. Children are taught to apply these skills in their writing with confidence and accuracy.

Spelling and Phonics:

Phonics instruction begins in the early years and is embedded throughout the curriculum. Our approach ensures children develop a strong grasp of phonemes and graphemes, allowing them to become fluent readers and confident spellers. Weekly spelling lists and engaging activities reinforce their learning in a fun way.

Creative Writing and Imagination:

Encouraging creativity is at the heart of our English curriculum. Through story writing, poetry, and play scripts, pupils are given the tools and opportunities to express their imagination. Children are encouraged to explore different genres and writing styles while refining their technique.

Reading for Pleasure and Comprehension:

In Carleton House, we promote a culture of reading for pleasure. Children are introduced to a wide range of literature, from classic tales to contemporary stories, developing comprehension skills that go beyond surface-level understanding. An engaging individualised reading scheme journey, Whole Class novels, targeted guided reading sessions along with book fairs and guest authors form our English program.

Speaking and Listening:

Oral communication is a vital aspect of our curriculum. Through drama, presentations, and group discussions, pupils learn the importance of effective speaking and active listening. Our class assemblies and school plays help to build pupil’s confidence in performing to an audience.

Our children in Year 6 are prepared for the ESB English speaking board exam These skills are interwoven with the writing process, ensuring a holistic approach to language development. The English Speaking Board (ESB) exams at Carleton House Preparatory School are designed to develop our pupils' confidence and proficiency in spoken English. These exams focus on key communication skills such as public speaking, effective listening, and structured conversation, encouraging children to express their ideas clearly and confidently. By participating in ESB exams, pupils not only enhance their verbal communication skills but also build self-esteem and resilience in formal and informal settings. This valuable experience equips them with lifelong skills that we hope will build their confidence, benefit their academic journey and future careers.