SPOKEN LANGUAGE, READING AND WRITING

The overarching aim for English at St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe Primary School 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 aim of the English Curriculum is 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.

Spoken language opportunities are taught across the curriculum and aim to give children clarity of speech, confidence and the ability to contribute and participate.

Writing is taught through a range of exciting stimuli which includes books, film clips, artefacts, visitors and real-life experiences. We strive to equip children to develop a rich vocabulary which can help them bring their writing to life. Basic skills and non-negotiables underpin writing in all areas of the curriculum. Teachers model the writing process and demonstrate the ambitious high standards expected of all children. Every child is encouraged to let their imagination and personality shine through in their writing.

Writing is linked to Cornerstones projects taught half term. Children get the opportunity to write for a clear purpose in a variety of genre.

Spelling and handwriting are explicitly taught daily to ensure basic skills are taught

Reading is a fundamental part of everything we do at St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe Primary School. Children are exposed to high quality texts across the curriculum and reading skills are taught explicitly in all year groups, through VIPERS. Alongside the skills of decoding and comprehension, book talk encourages children to think as a reader and discuss their preferences, likes and dislikes. Reading for pleasure is a cornerstone of our approach and the high profile of reading in school is further enhanced by the numerous reading initiatives we carry out throughout the year. Reading is taught whole class with Phonics lessons taught where needed.

PHONICS

• At St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe Primary School, we use Little Wondle as our SSP. as a way of delivering a progressive and planned phonics lessons.
• To teach children aural discrimination, phonemic awareness and rhyme awareness in order to encourage good spelling.
• To encourage repetition and consolidation, so that spelling becomes automatic.
• To encourage children to segment and blend.
• To learn to read and write all 44 graphemes in the English language.
• To teach children specific strategies to help them remember tricky words.
• To ensure that the teaching of phonics is lively, interactive and investigative.
• To encourage children to apply their phonic skills in all curriculum areas.

Miss L Brett - Subject Leader: English (Mrs K Byatt (Maternity Cover)