The Importance of English Literature Lessons in Schools – There are a whole range of subjects that your child will be required to study at school as a part of the national curriculum and English is at the heart of it. It teaches children not only how to read and write, but essential thinking skills that they will need to apply throughout school – namely critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills. If you’d like to learn more about the importance of English literature lessons in schools, keep reading as we share what we’ve learned from speaking to a leading boarding school below.

English Literature – Culture and Heritage
English can teach children many interesting facts about the past and give them an insight into what life was once like. As well as exploring more modern literature, students will have the chance to explore the work of older writers such as Shakespeare.
English Literature – Reasoning
The way to make convincing arguments is through collecting and displaying evidence. English is big on this and teaches children how to strengthen their arguments using PEE (point, evidence, and explanation). This will serve as a useful skill when they have essays to complete.

English Literature – Communication Skills
Communication is possibly one of the most important skills for children to develop and English helps children to do so effectively and clearly. It gives them the opportunity to learn new words, teaches them how to correctly use SPAG and structure their writing. These are skills that they will need both throughout school and in everyday life.
English Literature – Critical Thinking
It also teaches children to think for themselves, question what they’re presented with, dig deeper and “read between the lines”.

A Love for Learning
English can help instil a love for learning. As it opens the doors for reading, it gives children the necessary skills to expand their knowledge and take control of their learning.
*Collaborative Post
