English

We place considerable emphasis on the development of language. If a child cannot communicate effectively and read well in English, all other aspects of learning are hindered. Through the English curriculum, children develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. We aim to make our pupils enthusiastic, critical and independent readers. We support this through a structured reading programme in which children are levelled according to their reading ability. Regular assessments ensure that their progress is tracked and parents are informed of the outcomes of these tests at open evenings. Each child has a book bag and a reading record/journal. We wish all children to read on a daily basis at home and encourage parents to comment in reading records regularly.

A cursive style of writing is taught throughout the school with spelling, grammar and punctuation being taught both formally and informally. Children are taught how English language works through its patterns, structures and origins. Using their understanding children learn how to adapt what they say and write in different situations. We enrich our curriculum through celebration of World Book Day, Book Fairs, author visits, library visits and performances by theatre groups and storytellers.