Intent: 

English is the foundation for all other subjects at school. Children need to be able to read, write, listen and speak in a range of situations in order to access and make the most of the rest of the curriculum taught in school. We believe a  quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion and expose them to a variety of high quality texts and stimuli, as well as frequent, purposeful opportunities to practise and review key skills

At Foresters we aim to create classroom environments rich with writing and reading and vocabulary so that there is always the opportunity for English learning. 

Implementation: 

Writing is taught following the National Curriculum programs of study for KS1 and KS2. In Early years, the children follow the EYFS statutory guidance regarding communication, language and literacy. Children with English as an additional language are encouraged to practise spoken language and provided with scaffolding, visual or peer support and pre teaching opportunities as appropriate to further maximise their progress. 

The English curriculum is divided into 4 main areas: 

• Reading (see the Phonics and Early Reading policy & KS2 reading policy),

• Speaking & Listening, 

• Writing 

• Spelling and Grammar, 

all of which play an integrated and mutual role in children’s overall English development. 

Speaking and Listening 

Children are encouraged to develop their speaking and listening skills through a wide range of activities, including regular discussions and drama tasks. 

During their daily English lessons in Years 1-6, pupils are taught to:

• Adapt their speech to a range of circumstances and demands

• Listen, understand and respond to others appropriately

• Learn to use vocabulary and the grammar of Standard English

• Explore feelings and emotions through dramatic role play

• Express and justify feelings, opinions and viewpoints

• Collaborate in group situations involving communicating, negotiating, reporting, summarising, predicting and hypothesising 

Writing 

Writing is taught through the study of a range of high-quality texts and other writing hooks. Where appropriate, these texts link to the school curriculum map and Cornerstones  “Driver Projects”  eg Childhood 

Children are taught to write for a purpose:

• To entertain

• To inform

• To persuade 

• To discuss

The purpose is identified with the children before writing and as part of the English lessons. 

Through the range of writing opportunities, children are taught the key aspects of writing in English  

• Prewriting activities that support oracy 

• Vocabulary development  

• Identifying key text features (e.g. specific vocabulary, figurative language, punctuation and grammatical devices) 

• Writing for a particular audience and purpose 

• Drafting, revising and editing 

• Sharing, reading, and editing each other’s work 

Children complete independent writing on a regular basis to ensure they are able to apply the skills they have been taught. This is used for assessment purposes and the guide teachers with their planning of subsequent lessons. 

Spelling and Grammar 

Spelling and Grammar is taught using a systematic phonics scheme in EYFS and KS1.

In KS2 children are taught to understand the sound and spelling system and to be able to use this to read and spell accurately, They are also taught to use the grammar of the English language and to construct sentences where meaning is clear. 

Impact:

The impact of our curriculum is measured through the tracking of English in reading and writing.

Writing assessments include handwriting, writing, speaking & listening, spelling and grammar. These assessments are completed using FROG the online tracking system or B squared. 

Assessments are reviewed termly as part of pupil progress meetings. These meetings are an opportunity to set next steps for children, provide teachers with support and ideas to promote progress for ALL children. 

The implementation of the English curriculum enables children

• to become more confident in their writing. 

• Discuss their writing and suggest edits.

• appreciate a varied literary heritage.

• write clearly, accurately and coherently. 

• identify the purpose of their writing and adapt it accordingly.

• adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.

• use discussion to elaborate and explain their ideas.

• are competent in the arts of speaking and listening.

We are proud that the children at Foresters become confident writers.