English Intent
We develop our skills in reading, writing and grammar to help us unlock our potential across the curriculum
At St. Michael's Church of England Primary School we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. We have a well organised English curriculum that provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion. Our curriculum closely follows the aims of the National Curriculum for English 2014 to enable all children to:
- read easily, fluently and with good understanding
- develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
- acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
- write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
- use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
- are competent in the art of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.
These aims are embedded across our English lessons and the wider curriculum. We will provide the means for children to develop a secure knowledge-base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. Rigorous assessment and review will ensure that we are able to provide targeted support so that all children experience success in English; we believe that a secure basis in English skills is crucial to a high quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society.
English Implementation
Early reading is supported through the Read Write Inc scheme. Regular training and development days ensure that staff are equipped to teach with the expertise and skills required to promote excellent progress, as well as a love of reading.
In KS2, when children have completed the RWI programme, they develop deeper reading skills in line our English lessons based on Pathways to Read and Pathways to Write programme.
Across school, each classroom has a designated reading area, where children can find a variety of high quality texts, which link to their topic of study that term, authors they have had experience from and other fiction and non- fiction books. Children are encouraged to read for pleasure daily and also have the opportunity to listen to a story being read aloud.
When planning English lessons, teachers make links to other areas of the curriculum to ensure that cross curricular links provide further context for learning. Teaching blocks focus on fiction, non-fiction or poetry, in line with the 2014 National Curriculum and comprehension, grammar and writing are embedded in lessons. Children from Y2 – Y6 will also receive regular discreet teaching of Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation. This is delivered through our Active English programme which encourages children to become experts in grammar both in recognising devises and using them with ease at age appropriate levels. English lesson work towards an extended piece of writing bringing in all of the skills the children have acquired through the lessons planned and delivered from Pathways to Read, write and Spell.
Handwriting is also taught within literacy lessons and discreetly and the outcomes in KS2 are recorded in literacy books to promote a high level of pride and presentation across all areas of the curriculum.
Assessment for Learning is embedded in literacy lessons and children are active in reviewing the successes in their work and identifying, with support from their teacher, target areas for development to ensure a continuous and individualised approach to improving their work.
English Impact
The organisation of the English curriculum, has realised a community of enthusiastic readers and writers who enjoy showcasing their developing literacy knowledge and skills. Children are confident to take risks in their reading and writing, and love to discuss and share their ideas. Outcomes of work in both literacy and topic books evidence the high quality of work and the impact of varied and cross curricular writing opportunities. These enable children to write across a range of forms and adapt their writing successfully, considering the purpose.