At LEH Foshan, our English curriculum is designed to inspire and empower students throughout their academic journey. From the early foundations in Prep School to advanced studies in Secondary and beyond, our dynamic approach combines engaging lessons, innovative teaching methods, and immersive language experiences to nurture confident and proficient English users.
Programme Highlights:
- 100% British teachers in both Prep School and the Secondary English Faculty
- Immersive language experiences in and beyond the classroom
- 2024 IGCSE English: 83% of students achieved A*-B
- 2024 AS Level English Literature: 100% of students achieved A
- A professional team of English learning specialist teachers
- Customised English language support tailored to individual needs
- Authentic English curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum in England
In this article, we invite Ms Clarke from Prep School and Ms Stevens from Secondary School to share insights into our distinctive approach to teaching English and enriching the learning experience at LEH Foshan.
Meet the Teachers
Ms Clarke
Ms Clarke is our Prep Teacher and English Subject Lead in Prep School with 7 years of experience teaching the British National Curriculum at Key Stage 2 in China, the UK, and Egypt. She holds a PGCE in Primary Education (5-11 years) from Sheffield Hallam University, ensuring her young students receive a solid foundation for future success.
Ms Stevens
In Secondary, Ms Stevens is the Head of the English Department and a proven educator who helps students exceed their target grades. Prior to joining LEH Foshan, she taught English at a leading British school in China, covering CIE A Level literature, IGCSE courses, and IELTS, with her students consistently achieving A or A* grades. She also specialises in exam preparation and university applications. Ms Stevens holds a BA in English Literature from University College London and an IPGCE in Teaching from the University of Nottingham.
Immersive Environment
From Prep to Secondary, we cultivate an immersive English language environment where students are encouraged to use English in daily conversations. Our school is adorned with English and bilingual posters and infographics that promote literacy and spark interest in language learning.
Every teacher integrates academic English into their lessons, ensuring that language skills are reinforced across all subjects.
Moreover, our boarding programme, led by English-speaking House Parents, provides continuous opportunities for language practice, ensuring a well-rounded and confident use of English throughout the day.
Comprehensive and Individualised English Learning Support
Recognising our students’ diverse backgrounds and language abilities, we provide tailored English Learning Support across both The Prep and Secondary levels.
In our Prep School, our dedicated team of Teaching Assistants and specialist ELL teachers work closely with students both inside and outside the classroom. Additional phonics interventions during morning registration ensure that students new to English language study receive the extra support they need to build a strong language foundation.
In Secondary School, our team of ELL specialist teachers offer targeted support through both pull-out sessions—providing intensive English lessons for Key Stage 3 students—and push-in support, where teachers collaborate with subject staff in Key Stage 4 and Pre-A Level classes. This structured approach helps students develop proficiency until they confidently reintegrate into mainstream lessons. We also run reading interventions and oracy support, and also offer intensive phonics lessons to students in need.
Introduction to the LEHF English Curriculum
Prep School (Y2-6)
Students follow a structured curriculum based on the English National Curriculum, laying solid foundations ready for secondary education:
Y2: Builds foundational reading through phonics and simple texts, begins forming basic sentences in writing, and engages in structured speaking and listening.
Y3: Expand reading skills further with a broader range of texts, developing writing through simple narratives and informational pieces, and enhancing communication.
Y4: Broaden reading experiences with varied texts and improve comprehension; refining writing with better planning and punctuation; and building further speaking and listening confidence.
Y5: Deepening reading analysis with critical evaluation, progressing to extended, purpose-driven writing, and strengthening discussion and presentation skills.
Y6: Consolidating reading strategies by comparing texts, produce well-organised sophisticated writing, and refine speaking and listening skills to prepare for secondary education.
Thematic Approach in English
Our thematic approach brings the Prep School English curriculum to life by integrating literacy with subjects such as science, art, mathematics, humanities, and PSHE. This cross-curricular connection enables students to apply vocabulary in diverse academic contexts, enriching their overall learning experience.
Secondary School (Y7-13)
With nine lessons per two-week cycle, our Secondary School curriculum immerses students in a vibrant world of English. The programme includes dedicated sessions for drama, library reading, and comprehensive language skills development.
Key Stage 3 (Y7-9):
Y7: Begin with modules such as detective stories, ‘Theme Parks’ for exploring informational language, and ‘Shakespeare in a box’ for performance, building narrative and oracy skills.
Y8: Deepen the curriculum with ghost stories, war poetry, and travel writing, enhancing literary analysis and creative writing techniques.
Y9: Balance literature study and language skills, offering pathways for IGCSE preparation or ESL tracks while fostering empathy and effective communication.
Key Stage 4 (IGCSE, Y10-11):
As students progress to Year 10, the programme offers various pathways, each catering to different levels of English proficiency and academic goals.
I First Language English & Literature:
Combines critical reading, writing, and analysis of diverse texts—from short stories to Shakespeare—to encourage deep literary engagement.
II First Language English:
Focuses on analytical reading and precise writing skills, emphasising clear communication and rigorous text-based discussions.
III English as a Second Language:
Supports non-native speakers with progressive, practical exercises to build confidence in reading, writing, and speaking.
Key Stage 5 (A Level, Y12-13):
English Literature:
Offers an in-depth exploration of texts including poetry, prose, Shakespeare, and drama, aimed at enhancing critical thinking, creative analysis, and a profound appreciation for literature.
IELTS Preparation
We integrate IELTS preparation into our curriculum, ensuring students master the language skills necessary for university admissions worldwide. Specialised IELTS lessons are available for those requiring additional support.
Enriching Extra-Curricular Opportunities
ECAs
At LEH Foshan, we believe that learning English is both enjoyable and enriching. Beyond traditional lessons and targeted interventions, our diverse array of extra-curricular activities (ECAs) weaves language learning into fun and engaging experiences. Prep and Secondary students have the opportunity to participate in the school newspaper, public speaking events, creative writing workshops, and a dedicated reading club, all designed to build confidence and fluency in English.
School Events
Our school calendar is filled with year-round activities that celebrate and promote literacy. Events such as World Book Week, Shakespeare Week, Spelling Bee, and various reading journeys and challenges hosted by our library inspire a love of literature and foster a vibrant reading culture. Seasonal activities, like the Halloween scary story writing and telling competition, further encourage creative expression and imaginative use of language.
LAMDA
In addition, we have introduced the LAMDA programme, developed by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. This initiative offers students a unique chance to boost their confidence, refine their speech, and gain valuable experience in communication and performance.
Language Academy
Each academic year begins with a week-long Language Academy that boosts new students’ English proficiency through immersive thematic learning and real-world scenarios, sparking curiosity and readiness for the school year.
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In Summary, LEH Foshan offers a comprehensive, tailored English education that bridges academic rigour with creative exploration. Through diverse curricular pathways, enriching extra-curricular activities, and robust support systems, we equip every student to excel in English and thrive in their academic and personal endeavours.