Subject Leader for English – Carlie Smart
My name is Mrs Smart and I am incredibly proud to be the Subject Leader for English. I have always had a deep love for English, from studying Language and Literature at A-Level to discovering the joy that books, poetry and words can bring. I particularly love reading and poetry, as well as song writing, and I am fascinated by the power of language to help us communicate, express our ideas and make sense of the world around us.
Reading is a huge part of my own life, and one of my favourite parts of the day is reading to my own children, revisiting the classics I loved as a child and experiencing once again the awe and wonder of the worlds that authors have created.
As Dr Seuss famously said, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book!”
As English Subject Leader, I want every child to experience that same sense of wonder. I want books to become a gateway to imagination, opening minds to new ideas, places, perspectives and possibilities, while helping children discover the sheer pleasure that can be found within the pages of a book.
I want our children to understand the power of words and, most importantly, to find their own voices and feel confident using them to express themselves. I believe that one of the most powerful gifts we can give children is the confidence and ability to use their voice. Oracy empowers children to articulate their ideas, ask questions, challenge thinking and express themselves with clarity and conviction. When children learn to communicate effectively, they begin to realise that their words have power — that they can influence, inspire and bring about change. Through discussion, debate, storytelling and speaking with purpose, we can nurture the changemakers of the future: children who are not afraid to share their ideas and stand up for what they believe in. “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai
Through English, I want our children to learn, thrive and flourish, developing the creativity, confidence and communication skills they will need throughout their lives. Above all, I want every child to see English not as a chore but as an opportunity — to imagine, create, explore, communicate and discover a lifelong love of words.