We are passionate about English at St. Teresa's and we frequently share the importance of this subject with our pupils. We enrich the children's learning by inviting Authors into school, exploring poetry outdoors, using talk for writing and writing workshops. Our focus is on developing vocabulary, and the key skills relating to becoming life long readers and writers.  

High-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. 

The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• 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
• 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
• are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate. 

At St. Teresa's, we use the Essential Letters and Sounds programme throughout the Infant Department. A small number of pupils within Lower Key Stage 2 also access the programme.

Click the link below to visit our Reading page.

Grammar Glossary 

For useful videos and explanations, please click on the Oxford Owl link below. 

https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/at-school/education-glossary/grammar-literacy-glossary-a-c/