English

English

In Years 1 to 6 we allocate an 80 minute daily lesson. This includes all elements of the subject, including Guided Reading, writing, spelling, grammar and comprehension. We use our own long and medium term plans built on a range of high quality texts from different genres.

We promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. We aim to develop every child's competence, confidence and enjoyment in spoken language. Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing; activities are therefore embedded throughout the curriculum.

EYFS and Year 1 follow the Talk for Writing approach to teaching writing. A similar process is followed from Year 2 to Year 6, whereby we ‘interrogate’ a high-quality text: pupils will then write a similar piece where they ‘imitate’ (based on the text that was ‘interrogated’) leading into writing about a different context allowing them to ‘innovate’.  Teachers will scaffold children’s learning, through shared writing tasks, up-levelling activities and small guided sessions to enable children to produce writing of a high standard. Pupils extend their experiences in writing to write for a range of purposes and audiences. In addition to specific text types taught in English lessons, writing opportunities are provided in History, Geography, Science and RE, enabling children to be creative in their responses to an activity, experience or session.

Pupils in Year 1 follow The Little Wandle Spelling scheme. From Year 2 children are taught the rules of spelling patterns, as outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum;

The Reading Framework is promoted through daily sessions of the teacher reading to the class, a book corner available in every classroom and an extensive and ambitious Reading Spine for each year group. Children always have a book available to read for pleasure and purpose. High quality texts are shared during English lessons and Guided reading. Teachers read with pupils a range of texts focusing on comprehension and specific features in relation to objectives and content domains. Guided reading takes place three times a week in Year 2 to Year 6. The sessions follow the structure of Pre-read, Guided-read with an adult and a Post read. 

Phonics

Phonics is taught using the Little Wandle Revised Letters and Sounds approach from Nursery to Year 2. Children are taught phonics in whole class groups in addition to their class-based English lessons, on a regular (Year 2) or daily (EYFS & Year 1) timetable. In the EYFS phonics is taught in daily 15-20 minute sessions. Regular assessments enable children to make quick progress and move through the phases of phonics. 

EYFS

In the EYFS children work in small focus groups with staff for Guided Reading, and writing.  Opporunities for reading, writing and oracy are woven into continuous provision activities throughout the Foundation Stage. Pupils follow the Talk For Writing (TFW) framework to develop their literacy skills. 

Handwriting

Handwriting is taught throughout school according to the Martin Harvey scheme, with the timing and number of lessons managed by each teacher.