English

   How do we teach English at Albrighton Primary School & Nursery?

Intent

At Albrighton Primary School, we believe reading and writing is the gateway to learning and that a high-quality Literacy curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and language. Through a creative, cross curricular and experiential approach, children learn the knowledge and skills necessary to develop their reading, writing and language skills to equip them with the essential skills for future success.  Our curriculum provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion not just in English lessons but across the curriculum.

As a school we encourage children to:

  •  be effective, competent communicators and good listeners;
  •  express opinions, articulate feelings and formulate responses to a range of texts both fiction and non-fiction using appropriate technical vocabulary;
  •  foster an interest in words and their meanings, and to develop a growing vocabulary in both spoken and written form;
  •  enjoy and engage with and understand a range of text types and genres;
  •  be able to write in a variety of styles and forms showing awareness of audience and purpose;
  •  develop powers of imagination, inventiveness and critical awareness in all areas of English;
  •  use grammar and punctuation accurately;
  •  understand spelling conventions;
  •  produce effective, well-presented written work;
  •  take pride in their work and enjoy writing.

 

Implementation

Early Years Foundation Stage 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children participate in Literacy mornings where they are taught early writing skills. In addition to this they have a 20 minute phonics session from the Albrighton Primary School Phonics Scheme. Children take home a reading book from the Phonics Bug Programme which are carefully selected and match the specific sounds taught. They also have plenty of opportunities for developing early reading skills and handwriting practice. Children are provided with writing opportunities during child-initiated play in the role play and writing areas.  

 

Key Stage 1 

In the Key Stage 1, children have a daily English lesson where writing skills are built on and developed from the EYFS. In addition to this they have a 20 minute phonics session from the Albrighton Primary School Phonics Scheme. They also have opportunities for group, individual reading and handwriting practice. In Key Stage 1, children will be given opportunities to write through a cross curricular approach in other subjects. From Year 2 onwards children will have a weekly grammar lesson.  

 

Key Stage 2 

In the Key Stage 2, children have a daily English lesson where writing skills are built on and developed from Key Stage 1. In addition to this they also have a group reading session, and handwriting practice. In Key Stage 2, children will be given opportunities to write through a cross curricular approach in other subjects. All Key Stage 2 children will have a weekly grammar lesson.  

 

Story time 

Story time happens daily in every class. This provides children with a good model for reading, increases the range of texts they are exposed to, encourages excellent listening skills and an enjoyment of reading.  

 

Organisation and Planning 

The National Curriculum 2014 forms the basis of teaching and learning in English at Albrighton Primary School. Teachers create independent learners and provide a range of experiences to instill a love of English. We develop children who speak clearly, listen to the opinions of others, write competently, spell correctly and enjoy their learning.  

  

Teachers have a clear understanding of the outcome of a unit of work and children know what they need to include in their writing. Teachers use the Teacher Toolkits to support their planning and follow key aspects of English teaching:  

 

  • familiarisation with the genre and text type;  
  • capturing ideas;  
  • teacher demonstration through modelled writing; 
  • teacher support through guided and shared writing; 
  • extended writing in children’s Literacy books; 
  • proof reading, redrafting, editing; 
  • independent writing in Big Write using all the skills and strategies they have learnt  

 

 

Every lesson at Albrighton Primary School has a clear focus and learning objectives and success criteria are shared with pupils. English is taught and developed across our curriculum and ICT is used where it enhances, extends and complements literacy teaching and learning. High quality texts are used in all classes.