English is at the heart of learning at Elms school. The English team are committed to delivering a differentiated programme of study to allow all learners to develop in their spoken language, reading and writing. The curriculum is delivered through active learning using a variety of engaging texts in prose, poetry, non-fiction and drama, often in outdoor reading circles. Opinion and point of view is developed through considered debate and individual presentations for a variety of exams studied at KS4- Entry Level, Entry Functional Skills, Functional Skills Level 1 and Level 2 if appropriate.

Shakespeare is studied in Years 9 and 10 in the summer term, analysing characters, plot and themes and discussing why it is so still so relevant today. There are regular theatre trips to the Marlow in Canterbury so that pupils can experience and enjoy live performances that bring a text to life.

Elms Primary school follows the READ WRITE INC phonics reading and writing programme, allowing all pupils to progress at their own rate. The Language and Literature Programme builds on previous skills learnt in primary, for those who have successfully completed RWI. The RWI programme linked texts support the phonics knowledge.

The Accelerated Reader Programme is used for the Lower School and Middle School. There are a variety of magazines, journals, and newspapers available for the Upper School. 

Elms is currently taking part in the Nuffield Early Language Intervention Programme over 20 weeks. This is a programme designed to help young children overcome language difficulties. It is designed for children up to 8 years of age that have learning/language difficulties or delay and combines small group work with one-to-one sessions delivered by trained teaching assistants, targeting vocabulary, narrative skills, active listening, and phonological awareness. 

Updated 1st March 2021