Pupils learn to speak with confidence and to listen to what others have to say. They are encouraged to think about the needs of their listeners through activities such as, class discussions, poetry, drama and reading aloud. Listening skills are developed through a variety of methods. They learn how to listen carefully to their teachers and to each other, so that they can respond appropriately to instructions and information.

 

Reading is an important part of the Annexe day. Reading is undertaken in many lessons and in many forms at this age and is an integral part of classroom life across the curriculum. The boys have stories and poems read to them and are offered a wide range of both fiction and non-fiction books to read for themselves. The boys are taught and encouraged to read fluently and with interest, understanding and expression. The boys read individually to an adult four times a week in the Lower Annexe and three times a week in the Upper Annexe. They have reading homework four nights a week. We use a wide range of reading schemes and increasingly, as they progress, the boys are encouraged to select books for themselves. If it is felt that a child needs further support, sessions are arranged with the Learning Support teacher. These lessons may be as part of a group or taught individually and may continue throughout the Annexe years or just for a term or two.

 

Creative writing is encouraged in many forms and is often linked to subjects such as topic or art. The boys are taught simple punctuation and sentence structure as well as story writing, comprehension, letter writing, news reporting, factual writing and poetry. All the boys follow the Nelson Spelling Programme. Spellings are tested every Friday along with a short dictation. Our handwriting scheme is based on the New Nelson system. Handwriting is taught emphasising correct formation and joining of the letters. Weekly spelling/handwriting sheets are sent home for reinforcement.