English

Our teaching of English aims to enable children to enjoy using language in different contexts and have the confidence and ability to do so. We strive to encourage our pupils to become independent, enthusiastic and lifelong readers and writers.

Our bespoke writing curriculum which is text driven, innovative and inspiring- alongside our various strategies and systems for promoting reading and a knowledge of authors wherever possible- allows us to nurture this love of language and of the subject itself.

At the Schools of St Alphege we use pre-phonics activities followed by the Little Wandle scheme to get children off to a flying start with their reading and writing. Little Wandle is a programme centred around letter sounds and phonics and is taught each morning by our trained staff.

From direct phonic teaching in KS1 (through Little Wandle) to multi-sensory spelling approaches in KS2, our children are provided with a range of successful spelling strategies and therefore have the ability to apply them in their independent work.

Our school-wide commitment to oracy is demonstrated by our involvement with the Voice 21 organisation. Our oracy approach includes giving children a place to talk, a reason to talk and support to talk. A key component on this is our focus on vocabulary (including 'Vital Vocabulary' curriculum links and our 'Academic Keystone Words') which encourage children to be articulate speakers and good responsive listeners in a variety of situations.

We also work hard to allow the children to develop a fluent, legible handwriting style and take care with presentation of their work.

It’s not only in English lessons that we focus on the importance of literacy skills; instead we help the children to understand that language they have acquired may be relevant across all areas of their learning and life and to apply that language where possible.

Intent

English Rationale