English
“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or a duty. It should be offered as a gift.”
Kate DiCamillo
Why we teach English
We recognise that English is both a subject in its own right but also necessarily cross-curricular as fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects. It enables pupils to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate effectively.
Egglescliffe CE Primary School is determined that every pupil will learn to read fluently and with good understanding, regardless of background, needs or abilities. We aim to inspire an appreciation of our rich and varied literary heritage and a habit of reading widely and often. The 2014 Curriculum divides reading skills into two dimensions: word reading and comprehension. Both these elements are essential to success and are clearly linked to the other aspects of English learning: speaking and listening, writing, grammar and vocabulary.
It is our aim to develop an enthusiasm for literacy in all its forms and for pupils to develop the confidence to express themselves both orally and through the written word. It is our intention that children write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences, refining and editing their own writing upon completion.
We encourage our pupils to speak clearly and confidently and articulate their views and opinions. We teach that children need to express themselves orally in an appropriate way, matching their style and response to audience and purpose.
The National Curriculum makes clear that learning vocabulary is key to learning and progress across the whole curriculum. It is our aim that pupils are able to access a wider range of words when writing and for them to understand and comprehend texts efficiently.
How we teach English
Reading:
The National Curriculum divides reading skills into two dimensions: word reading/ decoding and comprehension. We recognise that both these elements are essential to success and promote the acquisition of both sets of skills through high quality teaching across the curriculum.
We have adopted the Bug Club Phonics Programme, to ensure that phonics is taught in an explicit, systematic and engaging way. We have clear expectations of pupils’ phonic progress term-by-term, from Reception to Year 2. To ensure this, we have invested in high quality Phonic Bug books, which underpin the sounds pupils have been taught.
We also understand that reading is a developmental process and part of life-long learning, and throughout school, we explicitly teach strategies, encourage and enthuse. Therefore, there is an expectation that every new English unit begins with a quality text which challenges pupils, including the more able. By developing a comprehensive range of reading skills, we aim to foster in the children a love and appreciation of a wide range of literature, including that from our literary heritage. We actively promote reading for pleasure through access to high quality materials; appropriate reading challenges; reading across the curriculum and planned whole school opportunities such as the whole school ‘Share One Book’ week; the termly ‘Relax and Read’ with parents and carers; and the daily, ‘Drop Everything and Read’.
Writing:
Even skilled and talented writers find it challenging to control all the aspects of writing simultaneously but at Egglescliffe CE Primary School, writing begins with a quality text. We see writing as a journey through from reading to writing. Following ample time spent reading, analysing, discussing, enacting and reflecting, we introduce modelling and collaborative writing. As the model unfolds there is a gradual shift in emphasis away from the adult towards independent outcomes. We believe oral rehearsal is integral. We allocate time for editing and revising so children acquire the necessary skills to revise written outcomes independently.
Grammar is an integral part of English and is often taught as part of the English lesson rather than a standalone. Pupils deconstruct model texts to create a more meaningful opportunity to use and apply grammar. Discreet spelling sessions encourage children to use and apply taught strategies and patterns rather than commit lists of words to pupils’ long-term memory. Subject specific vocabulary is taught contextually, with the expectation that children apply these words independently and accurately.
Vocabulary:
We look for opportunities to develop and deepen children’s subject knowledge and understanding through talk in the classroom. Through modelled, scaffolded and structured talk, children are equipped to learn the skills needed to talk effectively. We provide many opportunities to develop spoken language, for our pupils to speak clearly and confidently and to articulate their views and opinions. Opportunities are maximised to enable pupils to match their style and response to the intended audience and purpose, including pupil voice and student leadership.
Exceptionality of English
- More than any other subject, English – and especially reading – is fundamental to educational success. But more than that, English has a strong creative and expressive dimension. We strive for ambition for all pupils through a wider curriculum which is designed to provide a depth and wealth of knowledge.
- ‘Share One Book’ weeks, each term, offer the whole school the opportunity to come together over the love of a good book. Picture books are chosen carefully for the scope they offer. For example, ‘The Christmas Pine’ by Julia Donaldson provided a window back in time to 1947 when it was first gifted by Oslo after WWII and a whole school visit to Beamish Museum gave real and exciting purpose for writing.
- ‘Here We Are’ by Oliver Jeffers encouraged children to review the world as a village of 100 people and through ‘Only One You’ by Linda Kranz, children further considered themselves as individuals who do not need to follow the crowd.
- ‘Drop Everything and Read’ is a special time each day, when children simply enjoy being read to. We look for opportunities for them to hear different voices, different styles and invite parents to drop in too.
- Parent Drop-ins, such as our Writing Café and Reading and Phonic Workshop, are informal and informative giving an insight into all aspects of the English curriculum and its wider links as well as opportunities to find answers to those questions which cannot be found on a website.
- Another much looked forward to event is the annual Stockton Book of the Year – a time when Year 6 learn the importance of ‘not judging a book by its cover’. There’s always a surprise or two!
- Planned theme weeks and days, throughout the year, provide wider opportunities to read, write and develop oracy. For example, during Stem Week, Year 5 will ‘host the moon’ and present learning to the wider school following their scientific study of moon and meteor samples.
- The impact of our curriculum can also be measured against the outcomes of all schools nationally at the end of each key stage. But, most importantly, by how effectively it helps our pupils develop into well rounded individuals who embody our values and carry with them the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will make them lifelong learners.
- Pupils at Egglescliffe CE Primary School, leave Year 6 with confidence, fluency and understanding of language and literacy. They have a range of independent strategies and transferrable skills and are able to take responsibility for their own learning, including monitoring and correcting their own errors.
Books used in English
- Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Jeanne Willis & Ross Collins
- Only One You by Linda Kranz
- Window by Jeannie Baker
- The Christmas Pine by Julia Donaldson
- Meanwhile Back on Earth by Oliver Jeffers
Home Learning Recommendations
Literacy Shed - https://www.literacyshedplus.com/en-gb
Oxford Owl - https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page/
Summer Reading Challenge - https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
Puffin Schools - Home - Puffin Schools
Usborne Books - https://usborne.com/gb/activities-for-kids/play-and-learn-at-home
Harry Potter - https://www.harrypotter.com/collections/starting-harry-potter
