Curriculum English
Language learning is the most crucial area of learning in the curriculum and is a lifelong learning process. The allocation, and specification, of time within the school day dedicated to the teaching of English at The Cathedral Grammar School reflects the importance we attach to language development.
Our aims, in teaching English, are that children will:
For the purpose of coverage, the English curriculum at The Cathedral Grammar School is taught in the following components which will often overlap: speaking and listening , written language incuding constructive English, a variety of writing genres, along with handwriting, spelling, reading, visual language and library skills.
In the Junior School, an integrated approach to language teaching is adopted as language concepts are indivisibly interrelated as this age. However, as pupils progress through into the prep schools, some specific language concepts are given significant individual emphasis and are taught in their own right. This is particularly in evidence in the teaching of grammar and usage with constructive English in the prep schools.
Children must become independent and confident readers, given the importance of this ability on all aspects of later life. For this reason, reading is an important part of the academic programme at The Cathedral Grammar School from Pre-School right through to Year 8.
Two teachers have special responsibility for remedial reading, one for the prep schools, and one for the Junior School. All children are tested on entry, and at the beginning of each year, to assess initial reading ability and progress thereafter. Small groups are held twice weekly for those children experiencing problems with their reading. All tutoring is done in very close association with teachers and parents.
The library is spacious, well equipped and has a large variety of books for children of all ages. All pupils in the school have a weekly library period, and senior pupils work on library assignments during each term. The library is always open for study and browsing, and senior pupils take on the responsibilities of assistant librarians to the teacher in charge.
An additional teacher works in close consultation with the Junior School teachers, assisting children with reading and writing, and tutoring individually on a daily basis. A programme of acceleration is tailored for children who show particular aptitude in reading.