ENGLISH

English Curriculum Intent

At St Patrick’s CE Primary School, our intent is to provide an inspirational English curriculum for our children that allows them to develop into confident and creative writers, readers and communicators. We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression, enabling them to communicate effectively and creatively through spoken and written language and equip them with the skills they need to become lifelong learners. Our aim is to immerse children in an engaging curriculum that is tailored to their needs, responsive to the different speeds at which they learn and sensitive to the challenges that all children face on their learning journey.

We believe it is crucial to put quality children’s literature at the core of literacy learning. Therefore, we are proud of our text rich learning environment using high quality fiction and non-fiction books by a diverse range of authors. These texts often link to our history, geography or science topics and so create clear and tangible links across the curriculum, so children’s understanding of other curriculum areas is enhanced and consolidated.

At the heart of our English curriculum is the intention of all staff here at St Patrick’s to instil a love of reading, writing and discussion in our children that will have a positive impact on their development during their time here, and a lasting impact on their lives.

World Book Day

We had a great day on World Book Day. We dressed up as our favourite characters and decorated wooden spoons as book characters. We worked in our House groups and had a wonderful, creative time. All the spoons were displayed in Celebration assembly for the whole school to enjoy.

English Curriculum Implementation

At St. Patrick’s:

• Teachers create a positive reading and writing culture in school, where both are promoted and enjoyed.
• Teachers read aloud to their class regularly.
• Pupils in Reception and Year 1 (Year 2 and KS2 when necessary) have 4-5 phonics sessions a week following Read Write Inc Phonics.
• Children read for pleasure and information.  Reception and Key Stage 1 children read Read Write Inc books and  Year 2 and Key Stage 2 children are encouraged to read widely for pleasure including reading from the Accelerated Reader scheme, as well as researching our topics using library loan boxes for additional non-fiction texts. 
• Years 2-6 use Read Write Inc Spelling to teach spelling and age appropriate spellings are sent home to learn.
• Children read daily in a group or independently.
• Pupils are taught to read, understand and use adventurous vocabulary.
• Pupils discuss and present their ideas to each other by talking and explaining themselves clearly, make presentations and participate in debates.
• Working Walls display English learning, guiding children with ideas to lead to independence. Vocabulary is promoted through displays in class, enhancing and encouraging a wider use of vocabulary.
• A range of genres are taught across the school in a progressive way, resulting in pupils being exposed to, and knowledgeable about, literary styles, authors and genres.  They can express preferences and give opinions about different texts. 
• Opportunities for writing for a purpose are provided and displays of writing are displayed in shared areas to encourage pupils to take pride in their work and to show that their work is valued, for example on the Star Writer display.
• 1:1 tutoring or small group interventions ensure all children reach their full potential.
• Events during the year encourage and promote enjoyment and opportunities to develop lifelong learning.
• Parents are given guidance and expectations to support reading at home.

English Curriculum Impact

By immersing children in high quality texts and focusing on skills and the enjoyment of English, children develop an enthusiasm for the subject. They enjoy talking about their favourite books, discussing the stories they’re writing, and sharing their achievements with other children. Reading is assessed every term using Read Write Inc Phonics assessments for Foundation Stage, Year 1 and 2 children, NFER assessments for Years 1-6 and Star reading assessment for Years 2-6.

Children’s books show that they continually apply new writing skills as they progress through the school while drawing inspiration from the books they read in class. Children’s writing is assessed every half term. This assessment complements the day-to-day assessment that takes place in classrooms and in books.

Children are also encouraged to assess their own work. Evaluating their own progress enables children to talk freely and enthusiastically about their next steps.

Star Writer Display 

Useful websites