Consultancy for English and literacy
The English Team provides: INSET and support for staff from Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, in developing successful and creative approaches to teaching literacy skills, with emphasis on sustained writing and reading comprehension. We provide support for drama in all stages up to and including A-level Drama and Theatre Studies. We believe that drama and play are powerful forces for learning and can enhance children’s use of language and ability to write both fact and fiction. We offer a flexible approach, according to needs, providing observation, advice, analysis, training and staff development, organized to match the needs of each school or cluster. Click ‘More...’ to view a comprehensive list of what we offer.
Play-talk-think-write® approach
Play-talk-think-write Boxes®, and their accompanying Play-plans, have been produced by The English Team as part of their drive to develop creative, play-based approaches to learning which can, and do, raise standards of attainment.
Boys' writing
The standard of boys’ writing often lags behind their own reading and behind girls’ writing. Donald Graves (1984) described a category of young writers who seemed to use 'overt language' and exhibited 'a need for immediate rehearsal in order to write' (p36). He coined the term 'Reactive Writers' Then, as now, these writers were primarily boys.
Creativity for learning in English
The current educational climate is clearly encouraging schools to take on more responsibility for their curriculum, particularly if they have Academy or Free school status. Even if a school remains within to a Local Authority, there is no reason not to approach learning in a creative way, as there is plenty of evidence that creativity inspires learning. Where teachers have the freedom to think creatively about the English curriculum, they can develop language-rich experiences and interactive teaching which immerse children in language, understanding, and learning, enhancing children’s opportunities to access and use the written word effectively.