Primary English
Subject philosophy
English is vital to the whole curriculum. It provides children with the skills to communicate effectively and express themselves creatively and imaginatively. The ability to speak, listen, read and write standard English fluently and accurately will enable children to participate confidently at school and in public life.
Curriculum overview
English underpins the whole curriculum and is a core subject of the English National Curriculum of England. Teachers follow the Primary Framework for Literacy of which the core elements are:
- Speaking and Listening,
- Phonics,
- Reading,
- Spelling,
- Writing,
- Handwriting.
English is taught as a discrete and cross–curricular subject. There are specific opportunities to develop speaking and listening, reading and writing skills through narrative, plays, non-fiction and poetry units.
Speaking and listening activities enable children to match their style and response to audience and purpose. Children are taught a range of reading strategies to help them to read independently, and with understanding, a wide range of different types of texts. Writing skills are developed through a variety of activities which enable children to express their ideas clearly.
Children are taught how to structure their writing so that it is coherent, with correct grammar and spelling, and legible handwriting that is joined and has a personal style.
Varieties of approaches are used including whole class teaching, cooperative group and peer work and individual guidance; differentiation ensures the effectiveness of learning.
Core Literacy strands
Speaking and listening is an integral part of everything we do. We learn new skills from whole class teaching and group work. Children learn to express their feelings and articulate their thoughts through role play, drama, group discussion, debating and presentations. The children learn to speak clearly and purposefully and to think about the needs of the listener. They also learn to listen to others and respond accordingly.
Phonics
Children are taught to read and write through synthetic Phonics. We introduce the idea of Phonics in Nursery through Phase 1 sound activities from Letters and Sounds and from Reception we introduce phonemes and follow the ‘Get Reading Right’ programme. Through many fun and engaging activities, this takes the children through progressive steps to build on existing knowledge and provides them with a firm foundation of Phonics. Phonics is taught daily as a discrete lesson and we work closely with our Learning Support Department to provide daily reinforcement where needed.
Spelling
Children are taught to spell using a variety of strategies. These are included in word level work in English lessons using spelling rules, patterns and interactive games. Children are given weekly spelling and use the ‘look, say, cover, write, check’ approach to learning. They also have to apply their words in their writing to check for meaning. Spellings are part of the children’s homework.
Reading
Reading is hugely important as children’s experience of books and language enhances all of their literacy skills. We foster a love of books and reading is part of our daily life. In the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 the children participate in group and guided reading sessions. They are encouraged to read a variety of literature from reading schemes, the basis of which is Oxford Reading Tree as well as ‘free readers’. Most children in Key Stage 2 have graduated from reading schemes. They are able to choose books from the extensive class and Primary School Library. Their book choices are monitored by the teacher and they are encouraged to read a wide variety of genres. Children are expected to read both independently and to parents at home. Children also take part in guided reading and complete reading journals thus encouraging them to become independent, reflective readers.
Writing
Children participate in a variety of writing activities where they are given the opportunity to be creative, write for a purpose and to organise and explain writing. They learn to write for different audiences and are taught the value of developing ideas. They learn to write different genres including narrative, poetry, letters, information texts, instructions, book reviews and recounts. They learn to draft, edit and publish their work. They are encouraged to write imaginatively and to inform so to engage the reader.
Handwriting
In the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children are taught handwriting and presentation skills across the curriculum; we follow the New Nelson Handwriting Scheme. Children are taught how to:
By Key Stage 2 the focus is on increasing their speed and fluency; they also graduate to writing in pen. They are taught the importance of neat, clear presentation and to use different forms of handwriting for different purposes.
Cross-curricular links
Where appropriate, English is linked with History, Geography and Science. Literacy skills are taught throughout the curriculum.
Assessment
In English Assessment for Learning methods are employed on a daily basis to support children’s development and progress, in particular identifying misunderstandings or gaps in learning. Information is given to the children on how they have made progress and insight on how they can make further improvements. Summative assessment is through:
Use of ICT
Children are taught English by the use of interactive whiteboards and the use of computers ICT suites. Children use word processing for writing and publishing texts, as well as being taught to identify the features of electronic texts. They record audio texts, elicit information from the internet and CD-ROMs. They use ICT programmes to edit, refine and enhance their work. Children also exchange and share information through electronic media and use ICT to support oral presentation.