Intent

Oracy

We pride ourselves on providing a language-rich environment where children can talk confidently and expressively. Our students are always eager to share their ideas, regardless of their background. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), we teach different aspects of phonological awareness daily, including rhythm, rhyme, and more.

Writing

At our school, we believe that reading and writing are intrinsically linked. We encourage writing for both purpose and pleasure, helping children see the value and joy in their work. We pride ourselves on providing a language-rich environment where children are invested in their learning and use their own ideas and language. This fosters the development of their own authorial voice. Our approach ensures that children's writing is accurate and coherent. Grammar is integrated into lessons and taught purposefully to enhance their writing skills.

Reading

We foster a love for books and encourage book talk, ensuring our students develop a deep enthusiasm for reading. Our language-rich environment helps children develop their fluency and understanding of what they are reading. They are encouraged to discuss their own opinions of the text and understand the intent of both authors and illustrators. Children are exposed to high-quality texts from a range of genres, with a focus on diversity. This helps them make intra- and inter-textual connections, as well as connections with the real world.

We ensure that all children regularly take home books for pleasure reading, keeping them engaged with up-to-date and relevant texts. This practice nurtures their love for reading and supports their overall literacy development. Teachers also regularly read books for pleasure to the whole-class.

Phonics

We follow the Little Wandle phonics programme. Children enjoy learning phonics through engaging activities, making links between graphemes and phonemes through challenges such as creating silly sentences. Using a rigorous systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) program, our students become fluent and confident readers. They develop the ability to independently decode books at the appropriate phase, setting a strong foundation for their reading journey.

Spelling

At our school, children become confident spellers who can use various strategies to attempt unfamiliar words. Their choice of vocabulary is not held back by spelling, allowing them to express themselves freely and creatively in their writing.

Handwriting

Children at our school form letters accurately and develop the ability to write with stamina and speed. Their work is legible, and by the end of Year 2, they are able to join their handwriting. This ensures that their written communication is clear and effective.

Implementation

Phonics and Reading

Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP): We follow the Little Wandle SSP program, ensuring children receive daily phonics instruction from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through Year 1. Phonically-decodable books are sent home weekly to reinforce learning. Children are exposed to the same books three times: first for decoding, then for prosody, and finally for comprehension.

Reading Lessons: In addition to regular English lessons which incorporate both reading and writing skills through the book-rich CLPE approach, Year 2 students benefit from 5 extra reading sessions per week. In Key Stage 2, there are a minimum of 2 additional reading lessons.

Individual Reading: Children are expected to read 5 times a week at home for 15-20 minutes. We support this by providing daily individual reading opportunities, as well as access to high-quality books in our book corner and library.

Writing and Spelling

Writing: Our teaching of writing is underpinned by the CLPE approach, which puts high-quality texts at the heart of our curriculum. Children have regular writing opportunities linked to what they’ve read and deepen their understanding through a range of approaches including drama, art and wider research.

No Nonsense Spelling Scheme: We implement the No Nonsense Spelling scheme, with Year 2 students having 5 sessions per week where appropriate, and KS2 students having 2 to 3 sessions per week.

Handwriting: We use the Penpals handwriting scheme to develop children's handwriting skills, ensuring that they can form letters accurately and with fluency.

Cultural Capital and Enrichment

Poetry Performances: Cultural capital is fostered through activities such as poetry performances, which are integrated into daily English lessons as well as the wider curriculum.

Through these comprehensive strategies and resources, we aim to provide a rich and immersive English curriculum that nurtures a love for literacy and supports the development of strong reading, writing, and spelling skills in all our students.