English
Intent
Our curriculum closely follows the aims of the National Curriculum and The Reading Framework 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
- appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
- 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 arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.
These aims are embedded across our literacy lessons and the wider curriculum. We will provide the means for children to develop a secure knowledge-base in Literacy, 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 literacy; we believe that a secure basis in literacy 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.
Implementation
Early reading is supported through the Bug Club Phonics and Reading scheme. Regular training and development days ensure that staff throughout school are equipped to teach with the expertise and skills required to promote excellent progress, as well as a love of reading. Our fidelity to the Bug Club systematic synthetic phonics scheme is provided by a structured approach to Reading from Nursery through to Y6.
In KS2, when children have completed the Bug Club Reading, we also have the Top '100 Parklee Reads' list chosen by our school community.
Each class has access to a classroom and EY/KS1 and a KS2 library, with an up to date selection of books to provide quality reading materials for all children to promote reading for enjoyment.
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 quality texts to expose our learners to an extensive literature list during their time at Parklee, nurturing a lifelong love of reading. Learners also follow units focussing on non-fiction texts and we hold themed Poetry weeks. Comprehension, grammar and writing are embedded in lessons. Lessons are sequenced and build progressively towards an extended piece of writing. Handwriting is also taught within lessons.
Assessment is ongoing throughout lessons and also carried out formally with NFER and End of Key Stage SATS papers.
Impact
The organisation of the English curriculum, has created a community of enthusiastic readers and writers who enjoy showcasing their developing English 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 English and other subject areas are seen in the childrens' books which evidences the high quality of work and the impact of varied and cross curricular writing opportunities they are given.
English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching other subjects, secure Literacy skills allow children to access all other areas of learning succesfully. Becoming an independent and engaged reader from the beginning is one of the most important ways to make a difference to children's life chances.
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