Upper School
At SPS we seek to build on the excellent foundations already laid in the Lower School. Much of our work is broadly based on the National Literacy Strategy, but we are not restricted by it, and aim to give our children a broad and rich experience of both written and spoken language. The development of good reading skills is of paramount importance, while at the same time fostering a genuine love of books. As well as emphasising the importance of good grammar and punctuation, there is also ample opportunity given for the children to develop their creative writing skills.

Throughout their time in the upper school they will experience a wide range of writing genre, and enjoy the experience of visiting authors and poets as well as drama workshops. There are also numerous opportunities for the children to develop their confidence by performing in public, and tremendous pleasure is gained from involvement in Christmas productions and poetry recitals.

It is our aim to prepare our children in English for life after SPS. We seek to thoroughly equip them not only for the KS2 SATS and future maintained schools, but also for entrance examinations for both senior independent schools and grammar schools.

Lower School
We aim to produce children who are confident in using both the written and spoken word. Our curriculum, which is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile, provides a  rich experience of language for the children throughout their time at SPS.

In the early years, the development of good reading skills is of paramount importance, whilst at the same time fostering a genuine love of books. 

Additionally we aim to enable the children to become independent writers, by supporting their early writing experiences with a well structured phonics programme.

As the children progress through the School, the importance of correct grammar and punctuation is emphasised, although they also have ample opportunity to develop their creative writing skills and individual styles.

Throughout their time in the lower school the children enjoy the experience of meeting visiting authors and poets, drama workshops and theatre trips. 

There are numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their confidence by performing in public and tremendous pleasure is gained from involvement in Christmas Presentations and poetry recitals.