Left to right: Debby, Joanna, Nicola, Judy, Grant Alison, Kevin, Jackie

Head of English and Year 7 English teacher at Dolphin is Judy Seall . Kevin Donnelly teaches English to Years 3, 4, 6 and 8. Grant Crockford teaches Years 4, 5, 6 and 8. Joanne Head has classes in Years 2 and 3. Debby Warren and Alison Alderson are both Year 1 specialists and Nicola Dick-Cleland teaches English to our Reception class. Dolphin children love to read, consequently Jackie Dilley is our very busy Librarian!

To see details of the qualifications held by these, and the rest of the Dolphin staff, please visit our staff details.

English at Dolphin is a vibrant and creative subject. We aim to foster lively, enquiring minds, and enable the children to see themselves as independent writers, discriminating readers and confident speakers. Literature is at the centre of our curriculum, and the children are introduced to a wide range of novels, plays, poetry and stories during their time at Dolphin School. A variety of authors are regularly invited in to inspire the children and run writing workshops; a biennial poetry cabaret evening has become a firm favourite; and a variety of reading initiatives, such as the Drop Everything and Read scheme are well established.

Language is an integral part of our teaching in the department. It is through language that we begin to explore and make sense of the world and our place in it. Children are encouraged to develop their ability to express themselves fluently, accurately and persuasively.

The children are encouraged to discuss, question and assess their own learning, and in so doing become active participants in their own education.

Ultimately our aim in the English department is to create engaged learners who will leave us as critical thinkers, keen to take part in the world around them.

Poet and educationalist, Peter Dixon, spent the day at Dolphin on 8^th February. Peter entertained and inspired all the children during workshops held for different age groups throughout the day.

The latest winner of Dolphin’s ‘Drop Everything and Read’ competition was Thomas in Year Five who was awarded a £10 book token. Well done Thomas!

“Adventures in Reading” was the title of a fascinating evening at Dolphin on Monday 21 September. Hosted by Judy, who introduced us to the idea with a personal story of a child losing herself in a book, the guest speaker was Prue Goodwin, Literacy Consultant and doyenne of Primary PGCE courses up and down the land.