Statement of Intent

We aim to ensure that English lessons develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing and grammar and vocabulary. English is taught in a cross-curricular way, linking up with other areas of the curriculum. We teach our pupils to speak clearly, to convey their ideas fluently and confidently and to ask questions. Vocabulary is developed systematically.

Our pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure and to read widely. We use Read, Write Inc for our phonics programme. Phonic awareness helps the development of reading by segmenting and blending sounds. The children will be heard reading individually and in groups. The guided reading sessions cover both fiction and non-fiction books. Guided reading also develops the children’s comprehension skills. We expect that our pupils will practice reading at home to develop fluency and comprehension skills.

We develop writing skills so that our pupils have the stamina and ability to write at the age expected standard. To support children in moving towards independent writing we provide a wide range of activities including use of film and imagery, modelled, shared and guided writing, peer editing and discussion. We use talk for writing to encourage pupils to express their ideas, exchange ideas and to develop more sophisticated vocabulary. We provide opportunities for writing for purpose and we encourage pupils to see themselves as authors. We promote the status of written work by providing opportunities for children’s writing to be published and read by real audiences.

Handwriting sessions are incorporated into the English lessons. A range of extra activities are used to promote literacy within the school including an annual focus week, World Book Day and author visits.

At St Gregory’s we use the Read, Write Inc Programme for teaching phonics and reading in EYFS and KS1 as well as for some older children who have gaps in their phonic knowledge. RWI teaches children letter sounds that enable them to decode words to both read and spell. In RWI sessions, children will practice both reading and writing as we believe that 'practice makes permanent!'

Please see the RWI page for more information on this programme.

In Key Stage 2, English is broken into different parts:

• Reading
• Writing
• SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar)

In lessons children will be taught the different elements of English in context and usually through the use of a text as a starting point.