According to the English Curriculum 2014:

English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-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, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.

The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

Ian Bland, a children's poet came to visit us and delivered workshops in each class. The children had an amazing day enjoying Ian's funny and engaging poems. They had the opportunity to listen to poems then write and perform their own. The day was throughly enjoyed by all of the children and staff.