The teaching of English in the Preparatory School is at the heart of Bromsgrove education, having, as it does, an impact across the whole curriculum. Technical skills are taught, of course, which equip the children with the tools they need to express themselves. As they move up through the school, increasing emphasis is put on developing creativity, imagination, empathy and understanding of ourselves and the world around us through literature and drama. Thus, not only are the children given the tools with which to express themselves, they begin to develop a real sense of self to express.

From the class-based teaching in Years 3 & 4, where strong foundations are laid in terms of the technical use of language and basic skills, the children are encouraged to learn to love reading for its own sake through exposure to literature in all its forms. This foundation is built upon as the children move towards the end of KS2 and into KS3, where a more thematic approach is adopted, whether it be a study of ghost stories, science fiction, the relationship between Art and Literature or an in-depth study of Shakespearean Theatre, culminating in our annual Year 8 trip to the Globe Theatre in London.

Through formal class teaching, discussion, informal talks prepared by the students for their classmates, dramatic presentations in school assemblies and major productions, the Department aims to ensure that the teaching of English at the Prep School is interesting, exciting, challenging and fun.