Abbotskerswell English
Our English Leads are Mrs Leanne Reeves and Mrs Eleanor Young
Aim
Our English curriculum is the vehicle by which we inspire children to be curious, creative and independent learners. Children are immersed in high quality literature and daily opportunities to engage confidently in peer to peer discussion. By valuing and cherishing high quality literature across our schools and across our curriculum, our children will shape, draft and craft their writing, resulting in beautiful work of which they are justifiably proud. Oracy is given priority within the classroom, as a means of developing metacognition, in order that children develop a reflective, critical approach to both reading and writing. We expect that all children are supported to develop ideas and opinions around literature and are able to articulate themselves with confidence
We intend that the study of English will enable our children to:
- Read easily, fluently and with good understanding
- Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
- Acquire a wide vocabulary
- Develop an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
- 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
- Become competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate
(DfE, National Curriculum, 2014)
Reading
Right from the very first day a child starts school in EYFS until the last day in Year 6, reading is a priority. Children start their journey with daily Little Wandle phonics until they can demonstrate that they have acquired the required fluency to take part in guided reading lessons.
All classes have daily reading lessons.
In every year group, teachers select texts that will engage and produce high quality writing. Newly published texts are combined with classic texts in order to ensure the reading curriculum is enticing, relevant and current to the children.
We are very lucky to have our newly refurbished school library which is an amazing space to inspire children to engage in reading. All children have the opportunity to visit the library on a weekly basis to borrow books that they are interested in.
Accelerated Reader
Reading in Swift & Kingfisher Classes
Reading in Swift & Kingfisher Classes
Phonics
We follow the 'Little Wandle' phonics scheme in Reception & Year 1. Year 2 also use the scheme for revision as part of their spelling lessons. This scheme can be downloaded from our 'Useful Documents' on this page, as can our parent packs.
Programme Overview Reception & Year 1
Writing
At Abbotskerswell Primary School, we currently use a text-based approach to English, which means that children learn about lots of different grammar, spelling and types of writing through interesting and exciting books, which could be fiction or non-fiction.
Teachers plan rich and varied writing experiences that relate to the learning enquiry being explored at the time. Our teaching of writing offers:
- Quality children’s literature by significant authors
- Engaging starting points and immersion through experiential learning with a clear sense of audience and purpose.
- A clear build up to writing longer pieces using drama, planning and shorter writing tasks.
- Editing; this plays an integral part of the writing process and is taught explicitly.
- Grammar, Spelling and Reading objectives are embedded throughout, with opportunities to develop spelling and word choices, all leading to well-constructed pieces of writing, that the children are always so proud of.
Writing Expectations
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
Handwriting
We pride ourselves on presentation and handwriting across the curriculum. In the Autumn term of Reception children practice fine and gross motor skills in preparation for handwriting. When children are ready for handwriting they then learn letter formation, a copy of our letter formation expectations can be downloaded our 'Useful Documents'.
In Year 1 children are then introduced to joining their handwriting. By the end of Year 2 children will have learnt all of the joins and are expected to join their handwriting correctly from then on. Children have the opportunity to earn an handwriting pen once they show their ability to join all of their writing correctly. We use Letterjoin to ensure that handwriting is taught progressively throughout the school. Parents and children have access to home learning material to support with letter formation.
10 Benefits to Cursive Handwriting
Vocabulary
At Abbotskerswell, we believe that being able to express yourself confidently and accurately is a key skill both as a pupil in school but also in terms of developing life long skills as an adult. In school, oracy is a powerful tool for learning; by teaching students to become more effective speakers and listeners we empower them to better understand themselves, each other and the world around them. Indeed, one of our gateways is 'Expression' and we encourage all children to present themselves with honesty, confidence and insightfulness. Teachers carefully consider the ways in which pupils can present their learning through speaking and listening activities. Our pupils regularly have opportunities to develop their oracy skills in school. We ensure that all children increasingly present themselves and their learning to wider audiences with our eldest children often presenting themselves to an unknown audience.
Spellings
Progression Documents
Book Fair
Useful Documents
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