English

This includes reading, writing and spoken language and we use Hamilton Trust scheme of work and plans as the framework to teach the National Curriculum.

Programme of Study - Spoken Language
Years 1 - 6          
  • Listen and respond appropriately to adults and peers
  • Ask relevant questions
  • Use relevant strategies to build vocabulary
  • Articulate and justify answers, arguments and opinions
  • Give well structures descriptions, explanations and narratives for different purposes
  • Maintain attention and participate actively in conversations
  • Use spoken language to develop understanding
  • Speak audibly and fluently
  • Participate in discussions
  • Gain, maintain and monitor the interest of listeners
  • Consider and evaluate different viewpoints
  • Use appropriate tone for effective communication

 

Programme of Study
Year 1 & Year 2 

Reading

  • Word reading
  • Comprehension

Writing

  • Writing – Transcription
  • Handwriting
  • Composition
  • Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation

Pupils are taught to read using phonics as the prime approach and we use the Read Write Inc Scheme for this purpose. Pupils learn to decode using phonics before they bring home a reading book and have daily phonic activities in class, led by a teacher or teaching assistant. We have a wide range of resources to support phonics, including computer software.

We also have group guided reading session where several children read the same story together. Pupils bring home a reading book from this scheme and there is a home/school document for you to comment in. Reading at home is vital and we encourage all parents to take part and share books with their child. Our performance data shows how regular reading has an impact upon children’s success – home support does make a difference.

In Year 1 pupils have a statutory phonics test, usually in June. This assesses their progress against national standards and give indications of pupils who may need extra support to become effective readers. If children do not meet the standard then they are retested at the end of Year 2.

When learning to write, we encourage the children to be independent from the very first stages. Children use the sounds they know to write words and they are introduced to conventional spellings of common words such as the, you and was from the onset. We feel that a key to successful writing is good stimulus and we aim to inspire children by the themes we choose. Year 1 and 2 pupils have access to our writing area and role play so they can also choose to write outside formal lesson times.

Handwriting and letter formation is an integral part of our phonics sessions this is linked to the phonic sounds we are learning.