English

At Northfield, we are proud of our rich and diverse English curriculum as we are well aware of the substantial impact a broad and wide-ranging English curriculum has on the development of all learners. Our curriculum teaches pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their thoughts and feelings to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them.

In English, we place a strong emphasis on seminal world literature, affording pupils the opportunity to explore and learn about other cultures, attitudes, beliefs and perspectives; pupils also explore our own culture and heritage, looking at how our own culture and beliefs have evolved over time. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually.

Our curriculum also places a strong emphasis on the importance of reading and aims to foster a love of literature as we are well aware of the significance of reading as it enables pupils to acquire knowledge and to build upon what they already know.

Aims

By having a well-rounded curriculum, we aim to provide every pupil the opportunity to:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• have high standards of language and literacy
• develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information 
• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
• appreciate the broad-ranging work of other cultures
• develop their awareness and tolerance of all people and perspectives  
• write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
• be competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.