At Jacksdale Primary School, we believe that the quality of the English curriculum should develop a love of reading, writing and discussion. We aim to inspire an appreciation of the English language and develop the habit of reading widely and often, which will then impact upon the written aspect of the curriculum.

We recognise the importance of nurturing a culture where children take pride in their work, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts.

We want to inspire children to be confident speakers and listeners who can use their communication skills to further their own learning. We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression across the school. We believe that a secure basis in English skills is crucial to high quality education, and this will give the children the knowledge and skills they need for the future.

All teachers have a responsibility to develop pupils’ competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening; to ensure that pupils become competent users of language; and can access the curriculum effectively and achieve their potential.

These aims are embedded into our English lessons as well as the wider curriculum. We have an effective and well-organised English curriculum which provides many opportunities for reading, writing and discussion.

Writing

We follow a consistent approach to writing from Year 2 onwards. Our writing units follow a 3-part structure. Lessons within units are sequenced, building to an extended, independent piece of writing.

• In part 1, the children are introduced to a model text and use it to study different features of the writing process, such as: audience and purpose, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary.
• In part 2, children take part in a shared write, during which the teacher will model the writing process, talking through choices made and using the children’s suggestions. Children are then given the opportunity to practise their own writing.
• In part 3, the children compose their own independent piece of writing. Children review and peer review writing before submitting their final piece.

All classes study a range of text types and genres, both fiction and non-fiction. Subject leaders monitor the texts studied to ensure a broad range of opportunities are provided. Cross-curricular links enable children to apply their writing skills in other subjects and provide opportunities for writing in a wider context. Children take pride in their work and high standards of presentation are evident in their written work.

Handwriting is taught explicitly from EYFS through to Year 3. Intervention sessions are provided for those children in older year groups who still need support with their handwriting.

Reading

Children excel in early reading and spelling through the use of the RWI programme from Reception to Year 1. KS2 pupils continue their spelling journey following the Spelling Shed programme.

Guided reading is taught through a whole class approach from Year 2 onwards and provides access to high quality texts for all pupils to access, motivating and inspire pupils.

Children from Year 2 onwards take part in one guided reading lesson each week. Teachers follow a consistent approach that incorporates 6 steps:

1. Building or activating background or prior knowledge – this reduces barriers to the text when it is heard for the first time.
2. The text is read to the children – accurate, fluent reading with appropriate intonation is modelled by the teacher.
3. Pupils read the text and study the vocabulary contained within it.
4. Pupils study the text in depth to further develop their understanding – children are encouraged to share thoughts about the text. Oracy is developed.
5. Pupils provide written answers to questions about the text.
6. Pupils provide written responses to questions about a text that is unknown to them – this develops metacognition and the confidence to work independently.

A range of text types are studied, both fiction and non-fiction. Subject leaders monitor the texts studied to ensure a broad range of text types are used. The skills taught to children are set out in the Reading Skills Progression document.

Spelling

Children excel in early reading and spelling through the use of the RWI programme from Reception to Year 1. KS2 pupils continue their spelling journey following the Spelling Shed programme. Children are taught a new spelling pattern each week. Spelling mistakes in written work are identified by staff.

Assessment

Assessment and monitoring is embedded effectively into all lessons and children are active in reviewing their successes and, with support from the teacher, identifying areas for development. Verbal feedback is given to provide immediate and targeted support with some written marking to identify grammar, spelling and punctuation targets.

The English curriculum is designed to ensure the highest possible outcomes for all pupils. Skills provided through the English curriculum, as well as the wider curriculum, prepare pupils for adult life and to succeed and communicate with confidence and competence at any age or stage.

As a result, Jacksdale has a community of enthusiastic readers and writers who enjoy showcasing their developing English knowledge and skills. They are confident to take risks in their reading and writing, and love to discuss and share their ideas. All pupils have the opportunity to achieve academic and personal success, regardless of their starting point.