English

"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free."

~Frederick Douglass~

Intent

Ursuline's aim for teaching and learning in English is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. 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.

For years 1-6, our English teaching is composed of the following elements:

• Spoken language
• Reading - word reading and comprehension
• Writing - transcription (spelling), handwriting and presentation, composition, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation

Implementation

English is a core subject in the National Curriculum. We use the National Curriculum and Read Write Inc to inform our planning and as the basis for implementing the statutory requirements of the programme of study. English is planned both discretely and as a vehicle for learning in other areas. We base our school medium-term plans around a sequence of high quality age-appropriate texts. These plans define what we teach and ensure an appropriate balance and distribution of work. English lessons are complemented by a focus on regular basic skills which include grammar, handwriting and spelling sessions.

The skills that children develop in English are linked to, and applied in, every subject of our curriculum. The children’s skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening enable them to communicate and express themselves in all areas of their work in school. The skills that children develop in English are linked to and applied across the curriculum. The children’s skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening enable them to communicate and express themselves in all areas of their work and life in school.

Reception

• Daily RWI sessions – children grouped according to their level
• Handwriting taught as part of phonics teaching with many opportunities for fine motor development in continuous provision
• Guided early reading and writing activities through quality based text palnning
• Further early writing activities and opportunities provided daily in continuous provision~ writing table, role play area etc
• Storytime sessions daily

Key Stage 1

• Daily RWInc sessions – children grouped according to their level.
• Guided reading and writing activities in daily English lessons through quality based text palnning
• Further extended writing taught across the curriculum.
• Grammar taught explicitly through daily RWInc sessions and in English lessons through quality based text planning and across the curriculum
• Spelling taught in daily RWInc sessions and applied in English lessons through quality based text planning and across the curriculum
• Handwriting practice through RWInc sessions and applied across the curriculum
• Y2 No Nonsense spelling and No Nonsense grammar once pupils have completed RWInc phonics & RWInc comprehension
• Phonics interventions/whole class focus where needed
• Storytime sessions daily

Key Stage 2

• Daily RWI sessions (For those pupils not yet secure in decoding)
• Guided reading and writing activities in daily English lessons through quality based text palnning
• 20 minute whole class reading sessions
• Handwriting expectation through each piece of work and across the curriculum.
• Grammar Punctuation & Spelling daily sessions taught explicitly through No Nonsense Spelling and No Nonsense Grammar and in context across the curriculum.
• Extended writing taught across the curriculum
• Spelling & handwriting interventions where needed
• Storytime sessions daily

Spoken Language

The non-statutory statements in the National Curriculum apply to all years. The content is taught at a level appropriate to the age of the pupils. Pupils build on the oral language skills that have been taught in preceding years.

Pupils are taught to develop their competence in spoken language and listening to enhance the effectiveness with which they are able to communicate across a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. They have opportunities to work in groups of different sizes – in pairs, small groups, large groups and as a whole class.

Pupils are taught to understand how to take turns and when and how to participate constructively in conversations and debates.

We pay attention to increasing pupils’ vocabulary in each subject across careful selection of vocabulary in planned units of work (refining vocabulary that is unit specific and progressive) , ranging from describing their immediate world and feelings to developing a broader, deeper and richer vocabulary to discuss abstract concepts and a wider range of topics, and to enhancing their knowledge about language as a whole.

Pupils receive constructive feedback on their spoken language and listening, not only to improve their knowledge and skills but also to establish secure foundations for effective spoken language in their studies at primary school, helping them to achieve in secondary education and beyond.

Impact

It is our intention when teaching the English Curriculum that our pupils acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to become lifelong learners. We strive to ensure that all our pupils receive a well-rounded learning experience when reading, writing, speaking and listening which will equip them with the fundamental tools to achieve in their time at Ursuline and beyond. It is our intention to immerse pupils in the wonders of quality texts to instil a love for reading, a passion for discovery and a confidence to explore their imagination.

English is a core subject of the National Curriculum and a prerequisite for educational and social progress as it underpins the work undertaken in all other areas of the curriculum. The acquisition of language skills is of the utmost importance to us here at Ursuline and therefore the teaching of all aspects of English is given a high priority within school. Confidence in basic language skills enables children to communicate clearly and creatively, preparing them for their journey through school and beyond.

Our aim is to:

• Ensure that every child becomes a reader, a writer and confident speaker by the time they leave Ursuline
• Promote and instil a love for reading, writing and high-quality literature
• Teach an English curriculum which is sequenced to develop the acquisition of knowledge and skills

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