English

At Talbot Heath, English is more than just a subject – it is a gateway to confidence, creativity and communication. Our English lessons are lively, engaging and carefully designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading, writing and spoken language.

From the early years through to Year 6, our curriculum builds strong foundations in literacy through a rich blend of creative writing, comprehension, grammar, spelling and phonics. We provide pupils with the tools they need to flourish, both academically and personally, as they progress through their education.

We strongly believe in the power of oracy – spoken language skills are essential for developing critical thinking, confidence and the ability to communicate effectively. Our lessons provide regular opportunities for pupils to present ideas, perform, debate and collaborate, aiding them to grow into articulate, thoughtful individuals.

English lessons are often thematically linked with topics from History and Geography, giving writing a meaningful purpose and helping to deepen pupils’ understanding across the curriculum. While our teaching is aligned with the National Curriculum, we are not limited by it. This gives us the freedom to be creative and ambitious, offering our pupils a broad, enriching and inspiring English experience.

A key part of our approach is our all-through reading curriculum, which ensures pupils engage with high-quality texts throughout their time at Talbot Heath. From picture books and poetry to classic literature and contemporary novels, every stage of their journey fosters a love of reading and a growing confidence in literary analysis.

Our Pre-Prep and Junior pupils enjoy fortnightly library lessons in our dedicated library space, as well as lunchtime library clubs. In Year 6, they begin using the Senior School library, broadening their reading opportunities and preparing them for the next stage of their learning.

We also celebrate literature and creativity throughout the year with a host of special events such as Dahlicious Day, World Book Day and National Poetry Day. These are opportunities for pupils to dress up, write in role, perform and immerse themselves in the joy of storytelling. Pupils are also encouraged to enter writing competitions, showcasing their talents and developing confidence in their own voice.

At Talbot Heath, we are proud to celebrate our pupils’ achievements in English. We reward creativity, independence and progress, ensuring that every child feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential in language and literature.