English
Our English lessons develop children’ spoken language, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. English is taught in sequenced units in Guided Reading, GPS sessions, English lessons and in a cross-curricular way, linking up with other areas of the curriculum. We teach our children to speak clearly, to convey their ideas fluently and confidently and to ask questions.
Their vocabulary is developed systematically. Our children are encouraged to read for pleasure and to read widely.
We follow the National Curriculum and use Oxford Reading Trees’s Floppy Phonics for our phonics programme. Phonic awareness helps the development of reading by segmenting and blending sounds. The children are heard reading individually and in groups. The guided reading sessions cover both fiction and non-fiction books, poetry and plays. Guided reading also develops the children’s comprehension skills and vocabulary. Parents are given clear expectations about reading at home.
We develop writing skills so that our children have the stamina and ability to write at the age expected standard. To support children in moving towards independent writing, we provide a wide range of activities including use of film and imagery, modelled, shared and guided writing, peer editing and discussion. We use talk for writing to encourage children to express and exchange ideas and to develop more sophisticated vocabulary. We provide opportunities for writing for purpose and we encourage children to see themselves as authors. We promote the status of written work by providing opportunities for children’s writing to be published and read by real audiences, every child (Y1-6) has a piece of their written work on display at all times in the school. Guided, reciprocal and modelled reading is taught daily to all children once they have completed the Floppy programme. Handwriting, Spelling and Grammar skills lessons are taught discreetly each day and are then applied in English and writing across the curriculum lessons. A range of extra activities are used to promote literacy within the school including, Henley Literary Festival, World Book Day and author visits plus reading challenges.
National Curriculum English Programmes of Study: