At St Anne's Copp CE Primary School Great Eccleston we believe that all aspects of English are a fundamental life skill which develops pupils’ ability to listen, speak, communicate, read and write for a wide range of purposes.
Pupils are enabled to express themselves creatively and imaginatively as they become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama, as well as of non-fiction and media texts. They gain an understanding of how language works by looking at its patterns, structures and origins and use their knowledge, skills and understanding in speaking and writing across a range of different situations.
We aim to:
- enable pupils to read and write with confidence, fluency and understanding
- enable pupils to use a range of strategies to develop accuracy in reading and an understanding of the meaning of a text
- develop an understanding of the sound and spelling system to foster accurate reading and writing in a variety of genres
- develop fluent and legible handwriting
- foster and develop pupils’ own imaginative language and critical awareness through reading and writing
- develop an appreciation of books for both learning and pleasure
- develop speaking and listening skills through literacy and across all curriculum areas.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the Foundation Stage, Communication and Language and Literacy (CLL), Reading (R) and Writing (W) development are incorporated in all areas of learning. Opportunities are provided for pupils to communicate thoughts, ideas and feelings. Purposeful role-play is used to develop language and imagination. Pupils are given opportunities to share and enjoy a wide range of rhymes, songs, poetry and books. An environment is provided which reflects the importance of experimenting with mark making and writing for different purposes. Pupils enjoy daily phonic sessions.
Key Stages 1 and 2
EYFS follow Drawing Club, immersing the children in a world of stories, developing vocabulary and fostering imagination, working towards the Early Learning Goals.
KS1 follow Curious Quests, which is an educational programme designed to build on skills developed in Drawing Club, allowing children to invent and play whilst developing their writing skills, closely linked to the National Curriculum.
KS2 pupils follow the Lancashire plans. The structure over time works through key phases, these are (i) Creating Interest; (ii) Reading; (iii) Gathering; (iv) Writing.
Punctuation and Grammar (PAG)
PAG is taught throughout the week, either as discrete sessions or short activities before or during an English lesson.
Spelling
Spelling is taught in two discrete sessions a week throughout KS2 and is assessed on a regular basis. This involves an interactive and investigative approach and clear guidelines are given to staff about what they will include in these lessons so that there is continuity and progression.
Guided Reading
In EYFS and KS1 this takes place three times, each class receives a decode, prosody and a comprehension session.
In KS2 this takes place three times a week, each class receives a pre read, guided read session and a post read session.
Comprehension
Comprehension skills are taught from Year 1-6.
Reading
Pupils in KS1 will be heard to read three times a week during guided reading sessions and for those who require additional support will be heard to read each day. Children are expected to read at least three times a week to an adult at home. Pupils in KS2 will be heard to read at least once a week, more if necessary. KS2 pupils are expected to read independently every day. We aim to enhance the provision and enjoyment of reading through class libraries, Book Week, World Book Day, reading/writing competitions, reading displays and working walls.
Reading for pleasure is a key part of developing a love of reading. We foster this love in a variety of ways, including pupils choosing class books, ensuring the books we have available for the children are up to date and relevant to them, focus authors in class, children being read to on a daily basis by an adult for pleasure and staff as reading role models.
Writing
PAG is included in all English lessons, with skills learned in discrete sessions being applied to extended and everyday writing. An understanding of a range of text types has been planned throughout the year which allows pupils to re-visit writing objectives. Time is built into planning for pupils to evaluate their work by editing and redrafting.
Writing for purpose is encouraged wherever possible.
Phonics
Phonics lessons are taught daily in both EYFS and KS1. At St Anne's Copp Church of England School, Great Eccleston we use the ‘Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised’ scheme for the teaching of phonics.
Speaking and Listening
Effective speaking and listening is encouraged throughout the school, and not just in English lessons. Throughout the year, we provide opportunities to enhance children’s S&L skills. These opportunities may include debates, school council, performing in class, worship and music opportunities.
Handwriting
All teachers have high expectations for the presentation of work in all areas of the
curriculum. Handwriting plays an important part and is taught regularly using an agreed font. Joined up handwriting is taught from Year 2, if the pupils are ready.
What our children think about English at Great Eccleston C.E. School:
"I enjoy how we get to write our own stories and be creative." Esme Mar
"I really enjoy English because we get to learn about all different topics like poems, biographies, stories and non-fiction." Ruby
"I like English because it is about writing and I like learning about the enormous turnip." Sophie
“I like writing stories.” Paige
“I like saying the phonics sounds.” Franklin
"I like English because it challenges you but you can make your own stories and be imaginative with your writing." Henry
'I like the activities we do and then we get to write our own stories.' Oliver B
“I like writing about the Three Little Pigs.” Gracie
"I like English because it is a magical subject, you can write stories, biographies and lots more. With English you always get to use your imagination." Alys
