English is the medium through which everything else is taught and is therefore integrally linked to all other curriculum areas.
Intent: At Corvedale Primary School, we recognise the importance of English as the gateway to learning. We intend to foster a love of the English language through speaking and listening, reading and writing across the curriculum so that our children use it confidently and creatively to communicate their ideas. By the end of key stage 2, our children should:
- read easily, fluently with confidence and a good understanding
- develop the habit of reading widely and often; for both pleasure and information
- acquire and use 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
- be competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.
Implementation: We plan the curriculum using the Early Learning Goals as set out in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage Profile and 2014 National Curriculum. English learning takes place through daily ‘language skills’ sessions (focussing on phonics, spelling and reading); Pathways to Write lessons; Pathways to Read lessons; class story time; and in other curricular subjects. Teachers model and value good speaking and listening. Teachers demonstrate their love of reading by reading aloud to the class and discussing books with the children and each other. Teachers model the writing process to teach the mastery keys. Good examples of children’s writing are shared with the class regularly. Additional support is provided for phonics, reading, writing, handwriting and spelling for those children who need it.
Impact: Children will understand the importance and value of reading and writing. They will have developed their knowledge, skills and understanding to be successful readers and writers, meeting age-related expectations. Children will have a love of reading and enjoy using their skills to learn in all subjects. Children will be able to express their ideas articulately drawing on a wide vocabulary both orally and in writing.
