English

English

English is the study of how to speak, read and write in order to communicate ideas and emotions.

Our overarching aim is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through reading for enjoyment.

The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
• write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
• are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Phonics

Our Synthetic Phonics scheme is Read Write Inc. Teaching begins in reception (with our nursery beginning with story times, rhymes and songs) and continues throughout the school. The school uses the Ruth Miskin scheme – Read Write Inc. Children learn the English alphabetic code: first, they learn one way to read the 40+ sounds and blend these sounds into words, then learn to read the same sounds with alternative graphemes.

The Frizinghall Way for Reading

In EYFS, in addition to RWI Phonics, the children are exposed to a wide range of stories, texts and rhymes.

From year 2, we teach the reading skills with a focus on vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension.  

 Various reading opportunities enable adults (including parents) to promote a love of reading and transform pupils in to life-long readers.

Age-appropriate core texts are read for meaning and their vocabulary (in context) is deciphered. Children then repeatedly re-read the text and mark it up with codes to aid their reading fluency. The final part of the series of lessons includes answering a range of comprehension questions.

In addition to reading lessons, children have access to a class and school library. A range of books are read as class novels. In Key Stage Two, children follow the Accelerated Reader programme.

The Frizinghall Way for Writing

In EYFS, the emergent writing process starts with environmental print and moves to mark making. Learning opportunities are seized and discussion is promoted. This leads into early writing.

From year 1, children are taught grammar and spelling as part of our genre spiralling curriculum. Our journey is split into three phases – engagement with the WAGOLL, grammar and hot write.

During the entire writing process, drama and spoken language are used for idea gathering, building imagination and sharing ideas.

Marking and feedback enables pupils to revise and edit their work up to their hot write, which may be then published.