Curriculum Statement: English

At Shotton Primary School, we believe that the teaching and learning of English is essential in providing our pupils with the language, knowledge and skills that they require, in order to communicate effectively in their communities and with the wider world, as well as open doors to employment and further learning opportunities. Our teaching of English intends to immerse pupils in high-quality texts where they will be given the opportunity to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. 

We aim to develop pupils’ abilities within an integrated programme of Spoken Language, Reading & Writing.  Our English curriculum intends to fulfil the requirements of the 2014 National Curriculum through a range of rich and engaging learning experiences. 

Spoken Language

At Shotton Primary School, we intend that our pupils will leave Key Stage 2 with a strong command of the spoken word, an acquired wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions.  Our wider curriculum allows for the skills of spoken language to be developed.

We want our pupils to be able to:

• Follow the conventions of social conversation and to adapt their speech to a wide range of situations. 

• Speak clearly and audibly, taking into account the needs of the listener.

• Listen with concentration in order to be able to identify the main points of what they have heard.

• Understand appropriateness; so that our pupils use new words at the right time and in the right way.

• Reflect on their own and others’ contributions and the language used in a range of activities.

• Have a suitable technical vocabulary to articulate their responses.

Reading

At Shotton Primary School we are determined that all pupils will learn to read so that they leave Key Stage 2 as a ‘Primary Literate Pupil’ and are ready for the next stage in their education.  We provide opportunities for our pupils to develop a positive attitude towards reading so that they are committed, independent readers.  By immersing them in high-quality texts with a range of authors, cultures, themes and links with current global issues; they can develop an appreciation for our rich and varied literary heritage.

We strive to ensure that all of our pupils can read fluently, confidently and with a good understanding, as well as developing a wide range of vocabulary.  Alongside this, we aim to nurture our children’s desire to read and develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.

Writing

At Shotton Primary School, we want our pupils to enjoy writing and to understand its value. It is our intent that our pupils will acquire firm foundations in writing skills, which will support them as they progress through their future learning and potential employment opportunities.   Alongside this, we intend to develop our pupils’ powers of imagination, inventiveness and critical awareness. 

We aim for our pupils to be competent in accurately applying grammar, punctuation and spelling within their writing, as they produce well-structured pieces of writing that are clear in meaning and are suitable to the purpose and audience.  We want our pupils to understand a range of text types and genres, and to be able to write in a variety of styles and forms appropriate to the situation.

By being immersed in a range of engaging texts, our pupils will be exposed to vocabulary that aims to develop their interest in words and meanings; thus developing a growing appropriate vocabulary in both spoken and written forms.

Early Reading and Phonics

The learning to read process begins in our nursery, where staff develop children’s vocabulary through role-play, discussion, building sentences and using productive questioning.  The curriculum places huge emphasis on developing children’s love of reading through enticing story and poetry times.  Read, Write, Inc is introduced in Nursery in the summer term.

At Shotton Primary, pupils learn to read and write effectively and quickly using the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme, beginning early in the autumn term of Reception and into Key Stage 1.  

Click to find out more about Read Write Inc Phonics.

Once the programme is complete, the children progress to a daily English lesson that uses a text-based approach to the teaching of progressive spoken language, reading and writing skills.

Mrs Chaytor our English Subject Leader is available if you require any further information with regards to the implementation of early reading and phonics. Please contact the school office.