English
Intent
Reading is a passion at Roade Primary School. Our aim is for our pupils to become lifelong readers and we believe reading is key for academic success. Our intention is for all children to have the literacy skills they need in order to fulfil whatever ambitions they have! We introduce our children to a wide-ranging reading diet, in order to appreciate their own and other people’s cultures in modern multicultural Britain and also value diversity, extending their experiences outside of the village and area in which they live.
Writing is a crucial part of our curriculum. By the end of Year Six we intend our children to have developed a love of writing and to be able to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and creatively through the written word. We also intend to create writers who can re-read, edit and improve their own writing, and enable pupils to be able to confidently use the essential skills of grammar, punctuation and spelling. At Roade Primary School, we set high expectations for all our children to take pride in their work and have a fluent, joined handwriting style alongside allowing their imaginations to flourish.
“No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”
Robin Williams as John Keating (Dead Poets Society)
In Speaking and Listening, our intention is for children to: express their opinions, articulate feelings and listen to and respond appropriately in a range of situations; participate with different groups of children to present ideas with confidence, valuing the views of others; speak audibly and confidently before an audience (for example when reading their own work aloud in class; when performing in school plays).
Implementation
Our English lessons develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary. English is taught in discrete lessons with as many cross-curricular links being made as possible, where the curriculum allows. This linking up with other areas of the curriculum ensures that pupils are able to use their literacy skills in all lessons.
We teach our pupils to speak clearly, to convey their ideas fluently and confidently and to ask questions; use of the Read Write Inc program across the school (specifically in EYFS and KS1) supports this. Their vocabulary is developed systematically. Our pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure and to read widely.
We use Read, Write Inc for our phonics programme. Phonic awareness helps the development of reading by segmenting and blending sounds. The children will be heard reading individually and in groups.
Whole class reading sessions in Key Stage 2 cover both fiction and non-fiction books and develops the children’s understanding and comprehension skills. They are introduced to a wide range of authors and poets, genre and text-type. Parents are given clear expectations about reading at home.
Reading is a passion for the school. Roade Primary School is an DfE designated English Hub supporting a wide area of schools across the UK with their Phonics and Early Reading.
We develop writing skills so that our pupils 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 quality texts, film and imagery, modelled, shared and guided writing, peer editing and discussion. We use drama and talk in our lessons to support their writing, encouraging pupils to express their ideas, exchange ideas and to develop more sophisticated vocabulary. In EYFS, storytelling is used alongside Read Write Inc to develop the early stages of writing and this continues into Key Stage 1. Pupils are taught in ability groups from Reception to beginning of Year 2 thus enabling them to be taught according to their reading level not their age. Teaching is very precise and tailored to the needs of each child irrespective of year group. Once children are secure in their phonic knowledge and application, they move on to use The Write Stuff approach, all the way through to the end of Year 6.
We provide opportunities for writing for a purpose and we encourage pupils to see themselves as passionate writers. Grammar and punctuation is taught in context and revisited many times over the course of the year and key stage. There may be lessons where the focus is on a particular grammar skill.
Handwriting sessions are incorporated into the English lessons and is taught explicitly as well as part of everyday high expectations of presentation.
Spelling is taught through short, regular lessons focussed on the common exception words and spelling patterns listed in English Appendix A
Read Write Inc is used to teach spelling in EYFS and KS1 and Scode Spelling starts in Year 2.
Impact
By the time children leave Roade Primary School, they are competent readers who can recommend books to their peers, enjoy reading a range of genres including poetry, and participate in discussions about books, including evaluating an author’s use of language and the impact this can have on the reader. They can also read books to enhance their knowledge and understanding of all subjects on the curriculum, and communicate their research to a wider audience.
Pupils make good progress from their own personal starting points. By the end of Year Six they can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. Our pupils acquire a wide vocabulary and have a strong command of the written word. Most importantly, they will develop a love of writing and be well equipped for the rest of their education.
In a safe and encouraging environment, children develop into confident communicators who display our school values by listening to each other, speaking with kindness and empathy and explaining with clarity and confidence. Children recognise that speaking and listening can lie at the heart of conveying character, and that through speaking and listening effectively, misunderstandings can be addressed and relationships enhanced.
At Roade Primary School we study English as part of our continuous provision within EYFS.
English is then studied as phonics, writing, reading and spelling throughout the timetabled week during years 1 to 6.
Writing Road
Our 'Writing Road', detailing the topics studied through the primary curriculum here at Roade:
If you have any questions about our English curriculum, please contact your child's teacher or our English subject lead.
