The National Curriculum for English divides the work into these areas;
- Spoken Language
- Spelling, vocabulary, grammar & punctuation
The aims of the curriculum are to 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.
Where possible, we try to use Pie Corbett's Talk for Writing approach which allows the children to engage with texts as a reader, discussing the use of language and then developing this to write their own versions based on a model text. Through this, children can experience a wide range of genres. Editing and redrafting is also a key skill we are teaching throughout school, as children realise their first attempt is not always the best and they can make appropriate changes to vocabulary and grammar to improve their writing further.
Reading for Pleasure is also being promoted throughout school, with Year 6 'Reading Ambassadors' being chosen to support the love of books and reading. We have a variety of reading books in school, banded to ensure progression, which children bring home on a daily basis. We encourage talk about these books and questioning to develop and support the children's understanding of what they have read. Please use the green home-school reading diary to write any comments.
During Reception and KS1, Letters and Sounds Phonics is used with progress from Phases 1 to 5 and flashcards in line with this are sent home for the children to learn. These flashcards start with sounds and progress to the reading and writing of high frequency words.
Our reading scheme books are colour-coded and banded to ensure progression in reading skills throughout school. By Years 5 and 6, we encourage children to choose a 'free-read' book so they are choosing texts which interest, inspire and engage them as readers.
Through our integrated creative curriculum, English will also be taught within other subject areas. Children will be given the opportunity to write at length with a purpose, applying the skills taught within the English curriculum.