Senior Department | English
The Cranmore English department aims to excite and enthuse the boys about working with words and language, through speaking, listening, reading and writing, so that they become confident and effective communicators en route to success at CE and Scholarship.
Language is the medium of most thought, so much emphasis is placed on discussion and the development of thinking skills. Every opportunity is taken to exploit connections between English and the world outside the English classroom.
Exposing children to quality literature leads them out into the world of others and makes them better able to understand themselves. We aim to promote in the boys an abiding desire to read and to be interested in what others have to say.
There is an expectation that every boy in the school will read regularly at home. Each class has a weekly library lesson in which the boys' reading is monitored. Extensive use is made of interactive whiteboard and ICT facilities (in addition, the Fifth Form has a weekly English ICT session).
The department staff meets regularly to plan work and monitor the progress of the boys, and there are lively and informed discussions about new developments in the subject. In addition, there is close liaison with the drama department, and with the Progress teachers who support those boys who have been identified as needing extra help.
To enhance the boys' enjoyment and understanding, we make a point of celebrating National Children's Book Week, inviting poets and authors as visiting speakers, holding a book fair, hosting writing, poetry or drama workshops, and arranging theatre visits at least once each term.
