English is a unique subject, playing an integral part in all other subject areas. Taught as both a discreet lesson and in a cross-curricular dimension, it provides our children with endless, exciting opportunities to explore and develop their linguistic and literary skills whilst making personal progress as part of a positive whole-school approach. At Acre Hall we aim to celebrate the written and spoken word through a wide variety of events throughout the year, including National and International Poetry Days, World Book Day, class assemblies, choral speaking and acting and drama opportunities for all Key stages.
In Early years we place great emphasis on developing children’s speech through a story-rich environment, together with lots of opportunities for children to engage in sensory, fine-motor and gross-motor activities in preparation for writing. We believe in the importance of talking for writing and giving children opportunities to write for a purpose. Through adult-directed shared story writing, such as ‘Helicopter stories’, we aim to teach children to progress from shared and guided writing with adults to self-initiating their own independent writing. We share texts daily and promote stories that embed rhythm and rhyme and have repetitive refrains. We follow the ‘Little Wandle’ phonics scheme of learning in Nursery and Reception. Through enhancements in our continuous provision, we encourage children to develop their characteristics of learning by challenging themselves to practise and apply their learning in phonics. Children are encouraged to make phonetic attempts to decode words when reading and to segment words when spelling.
In KS1 we are guiding children toward independence. We believe that literacy and communication are key life skills. Through the thematic-based English curriculum, we help children to develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to communicate effectively and creatively through spoken and written language and equip them with the skills to become lifelong learners. KS1 is the initial stage in encouraging children to become independent readers and writers. Phonics is taught discretely throughout every lesson in KS1. We use the Little Wandle phonics programme to support the children in their Early Reading skills. Children are placed in small groups according to their developing phonics level.
In KS2, children build upon the skills they have learned in both Early Years and KS1 and move towards greater independence in both reading and writing. They are encouraged to use a rich vocabulary in their writing which they are exposed to through a wide range of genres and high-quality texts. Grammar and spelling rules are taught discretely and children begin to embed these in their independent writing. We use Accelerated Reader to ensure pupils are accessing books at the appropriate reading level and interest level for their ability. We foster a love of books in all our children and believe that inside every child is a writer of great worth.
Our reading scheme is supported with a variety of sources being Oxford Reading Tree, Literacy Links, Ginn, Pearson, Nelson, Alpha Kids, Heinemann and Ruth Miskimin to support readers with some additional needs.
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English LTP
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English Pathways Literacy Writing Mastery Skills
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English Pathways Literacy Reading Skills
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English Progression in skills
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English Intent, Implement and Impact statement.
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Key stage 1 & 2 National Curriculum for English
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