Literacy
This subject encompasses children's development in the following areas:
Speaking and Listening
Reading
Writing
Spelling
Handwriting
English is taught following the structure and progression of the National Literacy Strategy.
Speaking and Listening
Children are encouraged to express themselves effectively and communicate appropriately with adults and their peers. These skills are an important part of their social development and are developed through a range of discussion and group activities, role play and drama.
Reading
The ability to read is fundamental to learning and our aim is for children to become competent and enthusiastic readers.
We use a shared approach to reading that values children, parents and teachers working in partnership to foster an enjoyment of books. Reading record books provide an important link between home and school.
There are opportunities for reading throughout the day, across the curriculum. Children are encouraged to read and discuss a range of books together, in groups with an adult and individually. They choose books to read at home each week from our library.
The school promotes reading through participation in national events such as World Book Day when children are encouraged to dress as a character from one of their favourite books and opportunities are given to children to purchase new books through book sales and the PTA run Book Club.
Writing
Children are taught to join letters once they are able to correctly form them individually.
Children are given opportunities to express themselves through writing for a variety of different purposes and audiences. They are encouraged to take pride in their work and apply the grammar, punctuation and spelling skills they have been taught.
Spelling
All children in years 1-4 are taught the 'Look,Say,Cover,Write and Check' method for learning spellings. Spellings are taught in groups of most commonly used words and similar sounds or letter strings.
Children use dictionaries and word books to support their spelling in the classroom. Spelling is taught following the National Literacy Strategy's phonic progression and linked to handwriting exercises.
Spellings are sent home weekly and tested in school.