English

We encourage our children to explore their imagination and to express their ideas confidently, both orally and through creative writing. This goes hand in hand with promoting handwriting and the correct use of grammar and punctuation. We nurture a love of books at Merlin because we know that good reading skills will help the children progress in all other subjects.

The English language is vital for communicating in every aspect of our lives. At the Merlin School, we strive to develop a long-lasting enthusiasm for the written and spoken word. The ability to express ideas effectively, both verbally and on paper, is key not only to success in other subjects but also to developing self-esteem, confidence, reasoning and thinking.

At Merlin we enhance all children’s skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, enabling them to express themselves with clarity, sharing dialogue and debate. We have a broad curriculum encompassing stories, poetry, drama and non-fiction. Moreover, we recognise that excellent expression in English requires assimilation of reading, writing, spelling, speaking and listening. It is these five main areas that form the basis of our English curriculum.

RECEPTION

Reading:
Children read and understand simple sentences. They use phonic knowledge to understand regular words and read them aloud accurately. They also read some common irregular words. They demonstrate understanding when talking with others about what they have read.

Writing:
Children use their phonic knowledge to write words in ways which match their spoken sounds. They also write some irregular common words. They write simple sentences which can be read by themselves and others. Some words are spelt correctly and others are phonetically plausible.
Our curriculum is carefully differentiated to suit the needs of the individual child. The children are immersed in stories, spelling, phonics, language and reading in literacy lessons every day. As soon as the child is ready they are taught to write in cursive script.

YEAR 1

Speaking and listening is fundamental to the English curriculum; pupils are taught to speak clearly and to think about the needs of their listeners. A high standard of English is modelled constantly by staff both verbally and on paper and sessions regularly include shared reading and writing. Whilst phonic patterns and spellings become gradually more complicated, stories and creativity remain at the heart of our delivery of this subject.

UPPER SCHOOL – YEARS 2 & 3

We want all children at Merlin School to enjoy exposure to a rich and varied selection of books and nurture a real love of reading. Similarly, we aim to encourage children to develop a love for the written word, as well as acquiring the skills that will enable them to become imaginative and creative story-tellers.

Because accurate spelling supports Merlin children’s reading and writing, we ensure that our robust and differentiated spelling scheme helps them develop confidence with the phonic structure of language.

We teach children to understand inference in a text; they learn to recognize different styles of writing, including report writing, play writing, diaries and poetry. Requirements of the 7/8+ English curriculum are covered.

“Merlin is the most wonderful, nurturing and loving school where every child is made to feel special and reach their full potential.”

Parent of a child in Reception

“The teachers and staff at Merlin exude oodles of positivity and encouragement and both of my children bounce into school every day.”

Parent of children in Reception and Year 2

“A Merlin child is happy, polite and kind.”

Parent

“The Merlin School has been outstanding for both of my boys. It has cared for them both in a nourishing fashion, taught them to be confident and kind and really opened their minds to the world around them.”

Parent

“Merlin School encourages children of all abilities to be the best they can be in a kind and nurturing environment. The teachers really inspire the children to love learning, our son is so happy there.”

Parent, Year 1

“Merlin is a truly special place and I can only hope that my boys will continue to carry the Merlin Spirit with them for the years to come. “Having a go” and embracing new challenges becomes second nature, fostering a love of learning. I just wish they had an upper school!”

Parent

“Merlin is truly magical because the kind and supportive staff understand children and make learning fun. Our boys have loved their time at Merlin.”

Parent

“We first saw Merlin school after we had visited a couple of schools looking for a school where our daughter would be happy. After visiting Merlin we had no doubts - our daughter spent three very happy years here. When time came our son went to Merlin school as well. It is so important that in the very beginning of their school years kids are introduced to the magic of learning with love and care. It is exactly what Merlin school does. We are very grateful to all the teachers and staff for their amazing work!”

Parent

“Induction into reception is managed exceptionally well. Our daughter has had a really happy experience starting school.”

Parent

“The Merlin School has been outstanding for both of my boys. It has cared for them both in a nourishing fashion, taught them to be confident and kind and really opened their minds to the world around them.”

Parent

"My daughter joined Merlin in Reception and has not looked back since. She came out of the school on Day 1 with a huge smile on her face and she has always been excited to go in and learn every single day. Over the years, I have watched her gain confidence, speak her mind, be kind and apply the Merlin principles at every opportunity."  
 
Parent, Year 3 
"Staying on for Year 3 was the best decision I have made.  Not only has my daughter learnt so much academically, passed her assessment for the school she wanted with the support of her teachers but most importantly she has developed into a young lady I am so proud of; kind, energetic, positive, inquisitive and excited to learn and achieve more. I greatly attribute these characteristics to the nurturing, personalised, gentle, encouraging and kind approach that this school takes towards its pupils."
 
Parent, Year 3 

"I would like to thank every single teacher and staff member for making all this look so effortless ..... such a bright team of educators, placing Merlin at the top of schools I would recommend to any family."

Parent, Year 3