English

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others:  read a lot and write a lot."  (Stephen King)

Intent- Why is English so important?

At Arkwright Primary School our overarching policy for the English aims to:

Achieving competence in English language is a vital part of the education of our pupils.  All teachers play an important role in facilitating this.  The overarching aim for English in our curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

Implementation

Statutory subject and includes reading writing spelling grammar punctuation.

The national curriculum English programme of study is used as a basis for planning within the subject.

All staff follow Jane Considine's Award-winning 'The Write Stuff' process for English writing, grammar and punctuation (from EYFS through to Key Stage 2).  These writing units are planned and linked to our termly projects and explore a variety genres, immersing the children in rich Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary.   

There is a two-year rolling programme of genres throughout the school which are adapted to meet the specific needs of each cohort.

Reading (phonics) is taught Monday to Thursday in Key Stage 1 and EYFS, using Read Write Inc.  Guided reading is taught three times per week in Key Stage 2, using a variety of resources including whole class reading (Ashley Booth), reading carousel activities and inference materials.

Grammar and punctuation is taught as part of the daily English lesson.

Spelling is taught twice weekly in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, using Spelling Shed as a stimulus.

Handwriting is practiced daily in Key Stage I, with one main focus lesson weekly using Penpals. Handwriting is practiced daily where necessary in other year groups. StartBee is used and EYFS to deliver handwriting.  Children have an English writing book from Reception to Year 6.  Children have a guided reading book and spelling book in Key Stage 2.  All classrooms have an English Working Wall, which outlines Spelling and Grammar content.  Writing and reading is celebrated in classes through a dedicated display as well as part of our Arkwright Excellence and half-termly writing awards.

Impact

Writing is assessed at the end of each unit of work using moderated teacher assessments.  Reading is assessed at the end of each half term using Accelerated Reader Star Reading assessments as well as summative assessments at the end of each term.  Phonics is assessed at the end of each half term using Read Write Inc assessments.  Spelling, punctuation and grammar, is assessed alongside writing, at the end of each unit of work, using the unit overview as a checklist.  Summative assessment information is added to our whole school tracking system at the end of every half term.  Formative and summative assessment in EYFS using tapestry as an assessment to wall.