English in the Prep School encompasses all the language activities such as listening, speaking, debating, drama, reading, viewing, literature, writing, thinking and reasoning, spelling and grammar.

A school policy and scheme of work has been developed to enable the six Learning Outcomes that are consistent with the Revised National Curriculum to be worked towards and exceeded. The curriculum provides rigour and challenge while fostering expression and talent.

St John’s is one of the pioneer members of the ISASA English Curriculum Development Group and Upper III (Grade 7) boys write the Common Assessment set by this group each year.

A trip to the Grahamstown Children’s Arts Festival is organized under the auspices of the English Department each year for a group of Lower and Upper III (Grades 6 and 7) boys.

St John’s has a rich tradition of reading and most days are started with a time of silent reading for all members of the school community. Literature Circles have been introduced in Upper III to further foster interest in literature and reading.

Public Speaking is another St John’s tradition and all boys from Lower II to Upper III (Grade 4 – 7) participate in an annual Public Speaking competition in the Trinity Term. Boys also participate regularly in the inter-schools Chatterbox festivals. Debating skills are similarly fostered, with all senior boys participating in Debating Club. Formal debates against other schools are regulars on the calendar.

Ms K Maitland
Head of Department – English