An Introduction
The English Department
The Pre–Preparatory School
Boys arrive at Arnold House with varied reading abilities and it is our aim to get them so excited about reading that by the end of Year 2 they are devouring books. In our teaching we use many texts as a stimulus, from short poetry books like Funnybones by Janet and Alan Ahlberg - drawing attention to rhyme and repetition – through to longer books such as James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl - looking beyond the text.
At the moment Arnold House teachers are using the Ruth Miskin Literacy programme to help pupils master reading. This situation will be reviewed in the summer of 2007.
It is important that the boys take pride in their work and presentation. We follow the Nelson Handwriting scheme and by the end of Year 2 all boys are writing in the cursive style.
Speaking and Listening is an important part of our English and Drama lessons; it is imperative that our pupils feel confident enough to voice their opinions and thoughts and, in turn, listen to others.
We encourage the boys to write creatively, experiencing a variety of genres, whilst understanding the fundamental rules of grammar and punctuation.
The Middle School
Key Stage 2 covers Year 3 through to Year 6. Throughout these four years the boys are taught a variety of skills. Emphasis is on:
- Independent reading and writing
- Comprehension work
- Phonic and spelling investigations and practice
- Practice and investigations in grammar, punctuation and sentence construction
- Note making
- Planning, proof–reading and editing
- Reviewing and evaluating
- Vocabulary extension and dictionary work
- Handwriting practice
- Preparing presentations for the class
These skills are developed through a range of genres: non–fiction, fiction and poetry. The boys are assessed at the end of the Key Stage when they sit the Key Stage 2 SATs.
The Senior School
In Years 7 and 8 boys are prepared for Common Entrance, as well as for a variety of Entrance examinations and Scholarship papers.
The boys are taught in two mixed ability classes and much of the work is text based. Texts being studied by our current Year 7 and 8 pupils include Shakespeare's Henry V, Of Mice and Men and Robert Cormier's novel Heroes.
Essay writing, literary analysis and creative writing are the focus for these students, and boys leave Arnold House well prepared for the rigours of GCSE.
The Library
The English Department benefits from being supported by a well–stocked library and an extremely knowledgeable librarian. Ms. Leonie Flynn is editor of The Ultimate Book Guides and her expertise means that, whilst boys are given books that match their individual abilities and interests, they are also encouraged to extend their reading. All classes from Year 2 to Year 6 have timetabled library classes, and the library is also open during breaks. Senior boys each year are chosen to be pupil–librarians, with one boy taking the responsibility of being Head Librarian.