English
Why English?
At Oakwood Primary School we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. We aim to inspire an appreciation of rich and varied texts and a habit of reading for pleasure. We recognise the importance of nurturing a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts. We want to inspire children to be confident in the art of speaking and listening, and who can use discussion to communicate and further their learning. We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge-base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. We believe that a secure basis of 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
These aims are embedded across our English lessons, discrete sessions where specific skills are a focus, and the wider curriculum. We have a rigorous and well organised English curriculum that provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion.
The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:
● 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.
Little Wandle Phonics programme is started in Reception and continues through to the end of Y1. Phonic knowledge is revisited from Y2 onwards through relevant sections of the No Nonsense spelling programme. From Reception to Y2 the children will have regular Guided Reading sessions and continue to develop a range of reading skills. From Y3, children participate in Destination Reader sessions to work on key comprehension skills. We use a wide variety of quality texts and resources to motivate and inspire our children.
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 range of activities including: the use of film and imagery, music, ICT, modelled, shared and guided writing, peer assessment and discussion. We provide varied and exciting opportunities for writing for purpose and we encourage pupils to see themselves as authors and poets. The Nelson handwriting scheme is followed to help all children develop a confident, legible and personal writing style.