English
Curriculum Intent
Reading
We aim to develop a love of books and reading from the beginning of a child’s learning journey with us and value the role of parents as partners in this vital task. Our pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure and read widely. We hear our children read regularly both individually and in groups. We also value reading for its impact on vocabulary development and comprehension skills.
Writing
The overarching aim for teaching writing is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. Pupils are taught to acquire a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for writing. We develop writing skills so that our pupils have the stamina and ability to write at or above the age expected standard.
Curriculum Impact
Reading
Pupil voice shows children enjoy reading for pleasure and use school library facilities regularly. Children understand and can answer questions on the texts that they read. Pupil progress can be seen through assessment data.
Writing
Children develop a pupil voice and are able to articulate their ideas clearly. They have a real love for writing and enjoy writing for different purposes and a range of audiences. Evidence of work in books demonstrates a high quality range of purposeful writing.
Reading Curriculum Progression Writing Curriculum Progression
How we teach phonics
Read, Write Inc- Information for Parents & Carers
Who is Read Write Inc. for?
The Read Write Inc. programme is for primary school children learning to read. Children will begin the programme in Year R and will remain on the programme for the teaching of phonics until they are reading at a National Curriculum age expected level for Year 2. Our aim is for most children to be off the scheme by the end of Year 2.
How will it work?
Nursery
The teacher will use lots of “Fred talk” to encourage children to hear words through sounds, e.g. Put on your c-oa-t. They will begin to learn a sound a week and will be assessed regularly by their class teachers.
Year R
Children will be taught a sound a day for 20 mins and will be assessed regularly by their class teachers. When they have reached an appropriate level they will be grouped according to their reading level, and will be taught for a further 20 mins (reading activity).
Years 1 - 2
All children who are working at or below a National Curriculum age expected level for Year 2 will be assessed regularly by their teachers. The children will complete phonics activities for 20 minutes each day. Children may be grouped according to their stage and may be taught by teaching assistants under the direction of the teachers durig the phonics lesson so that all children gain the most benefit from this time.
We stream across Key Stage 1 so that children are placed in the best group for their level with class teachers or teaching assistants who have been trained in the Read Write Inc. scheme. Children will be regularly assessed and placed in groups that help them make the best progress possible. Our phonics lead oversees this to make sure all groups are progressing well and that teaching and learning is to the highest standard.
The groups take place for around 30 minutes daily and include speed sound lessons where the children learn to read the sounds, form the letters of the sound and also to spell and write words using their sounds. They also have review lessons during the week to make sure they are secure on all the sounds they have been learning. We focus on fluency so that children are confident is speedily reading with the sounds they have been learning before moving on.
Children should be off the phonics scheme by the end of Year 2, they will then be placed in a group which focuses further on reading fluency and comprehension at a level appropriate to them. If you want to know more about your child’s progress or how to support your child please see their class teacher who can liaise with the adult who teaches them phonics.
How and what do the children learn?
Reading
The children:
- learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts.
- learn to read words using sound blending.
- read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out.
- after meaningful discussion led by an adult, children show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions.
Talking
Children are assessed so they work with children at the same level. This allows them to take a full part in all lessons.
They work in pairs so that they:
- answer every question
- practise every activity with their partner
- take turns in talking to each other
Have a look at the RWInc parents’ pages on the website for tips and resources for supporting your child at home:
https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/ or http://global.oup.com/?cc=gb
