English
Curriculum Intent
Reading, writing, speaking and listening are at the heart of our curriculum. It is our intention to equip all children with sufficient skill to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. English skills are taught, not only in discrete daily lessons, but are embedded in all of our lessons.
Through exposure to quality texts, our pupils are encouraged to develop their love of reading. They are given strategies to improve their fluency and, subsequently, their understanding.
We strive to link our reading and writing opportunities, immersing children in vocabulary rich, creative lessons. Children are given a purpose for their writing, whilst being given opportunities to be creative.
We aim to ensure that each child becomes primary literate and makes progress in their reading, writing, speaking and listening, allowing them to fully participate as members of the community.
Curriculum Implementation
At Grundisburgh Primary School, the National Curriculum is delivered through sequences of lessons which teachers personalise to support classes and individual children.
Our EYFS and Key Stage One children follow Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS) phonics scheme, which ensures that all sounds are taught and embedded. This is continued into Key Stage Two for any learners who need it. From year 3 to year 6, we follow the Read, Write, Inc Spelling programme to build on these skills.
Teachers plan English lessons using the “Essential Writing” scheme, which is a text-based system. Feedback on English work is given regularly, either verbally or with a written comment which addresses any misconceptions and/or challenges the child to progress further.
We use Accelerated Reader across Key Stage 2 to ensure that a range of texts are read and that children are able to respond to a variety of questions about their chosen text. Successes are shared in the whole school assembly, promoting reading for pleasure. Alongside this, adults in school model a love of books, sharing book recommendations. There are regular opportunities for children to share books across the year groups.
Grammar, punctuation and spelling are taught both discretely and in the wider context of English lessons.
Curriculum Impact
Through our approach, children across the school are becoming more confident writers. With expose to a range of genres in KS1, by the time they are in upper KS2 teaching can focus on creativity, sustained writing and writer’s flair. Our end of KS2 results reflect this.
The profile of reading is increasing and more children are choosing to read for pleasure.
As all aspects of English are an integral part of the curriculum, cross curricular writing standards have also improved and skills taught in the English lesson are transferred into other subjects; this shows consolidation of skills, progression and a deeper understanding of how and when to use specific grammar, punctuation and grammar objectives.
We hope that as children move on from us to further their education and learning that their creativity, passion for English and high aspirations travel with them and continue to grow and develop as they do.
Reading
Curriculum Progression map - Reading
Writing
Curriculum Progression map - Writing
Speaking and Listening
