English
“English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A 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. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.”
National Curriculum in England: English Programmes of StudY
The Department for Education (DfE) has established a network of 34 English Hubs across the country, working to support up to 2,800 schools to improve teaching of reading in Reception/Year 1. All schools can attend showcases and CPD opportunities, but intensive support is targeted at schools that meet key criteria, including below-average Phonics Screening Check scores, Ofsted judgement of RI, and referral by partners including LAs or NLE. Schools can also self-refer.
In the news:
Burley and Woodhead English Hub
Burley and Woodhead CE Primary in Burley-in-Wharfedale is one of four English Hubs based in Yorkshire. We work in partnership with schools in Bradford, Craven, Richmondshire and Hambleton to promote a love of reading and excellent teaching of early language and systematic synthetic phonics.
Department for Education (DfE)
Department for Education (DfE) guidance
The English Association
The Association state:
The English Association is a membership body for individuals and organisations who are passionate about English language and its literatures. Our membership includes teachers, students, authors, poets and people with general interest
in the subject area, and our membership is made up of people and institutions around the world.
Our aim is to further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of English studies, and to foster good practice in its teaching and learning at all levels.
We do this by:
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Working towards a fuller recognition of English as an essential element in education and in the community at large.
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By encouraging the study of English language and literature
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By means of conferences, lectures and publications
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By fostering the discussion of methods of teaching English of all kinds
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And by responding to national issues.
UK Literacy Association
The Association state:
We believe that excellent literacy education should be informed by a detailed understanding of how literacy and language work.
UKLA offers a supportive community for those working in literacy, language and communication, and an informed national voice that speaks to policy.
We encourage reflection and dialogue about practice and give a public voice to members’ concerns. We promote the development of approaches to literacy and learning that recognise their complexity, and teaching that reflects flexibility in methods, materials and technologies as well as valuing cultural diversity.
Our activities facilitate communication between members and partners; provide professional development opportunities; support research; and celebrate achievements through a respected programme of awards.
National Association of Writers in Education
The Association state:
NAWE’s mission is to further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of Creative Writing and to support good practice in its teaching and learning at all levels.
As Subject Association, NAWE promotes Creative Writing as both a distinct discipline and an essential element in education generally. Our membership includes those working in Higher Education, the many freelance writers working in schools and community contexts, and the teachers and other professionals who work with them.
National Association for the Teaching of English
The Association state:
NATE is an educational charity, led by a Director and a team of volunteers, including: Trustees; committee members; regional representatives and English specialists across the world who support our CPD, publications, research and development.
NATE strives to be a:
• leader of research and the debate on the future of English teaching, planning, curriculum design and assessment
• defender of the broader and deeper values of English, including creativity, enjoyment and the cultural and philosophical importance of English as a humane discipline
• promoter of good practice across the country
• provider of effective CPD, consultancy, publications and reports
• collaborator with key stakeholders who enhance the quality of English teaching, regionally, nationally and internationally