English includes Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. Key skills in English are an integral part of the whole school curriculum.
English Curriculum Progression
Speaking and Listening
Talking is fundamental to a child’s learning. Pupils are encouraged and given opportunities in which they talk clearly, confidently and with expression. They are also taught the skills of listening and responding appropriately to others. Speaking and listening skills are developed in all areas of the curriculum.
Reading and Phonics
The ability to read and enjoy reading is a wonderful gift. We believe that reading should be an enjoyable activity and our approach to reading is based on this.
In the Early Years and Key Stage One there is a great emphasis on developing the building blocks of reading: phonic knowledge. As soon as the children start their journey at All Saints’ in the Early Years Reception Year, the Sounds Write programme is followed. This programme focuses on high quality phonics using segmentation, blending and sound/spelling manipulation. For more information about reading and phonics, please see here.
At Key Stage Two reading is extended and the skills of inference, deduction and evaluation are developed. Children need to be able to read with understanding, for pleasure and for information. Our reading schemes in school are matched to pupil ability. As pupils become more independent readers, they are given responsibility for their own choice in reading. All classrooms have their own reading areas and we are lucky enough to have a school library. Many classes also visit the village library throughout the year. We aim for children to develop a love of reading and encourage children to read a range of books and share their reading with their family.
Writing
Children are helped to develop the skills to express their thoughts and ideas through the written word. Children are taught the basic skills of punctuation, spelling, grammar and correct letter formation, along with an understanding of language and organisational features of different genres of writing. Children experience a wide range of styles and forms of writing and are provided with a host of opportunities to write in context for a range of real audiences.
For further information, please view our English Policy
Esther (Reception) | I like to concentrate and listen to stories |
Nathan (Year One) | I like learning more about individual characters. |
Oliver (Year Two) | Reading makes me happy; we do lots in school. |
Izzy (Year Three) | I love reading because you find out new vocabulary. |
Fleur (Year Four) | I loved all the class texts we read this year. |
Esme (Year Five) | I like learning how to read more difficult words. |
Felix (Year Six) | Having a dedicated guided reading area in class was nice; we often could completely relax while reading our book. |
Isaac (Reception) | I use lots of letters at the writing table |
Maisy (Year One) | I feel proud that I can write. |
Harry (Year Two) | You can write long words by the end of Year Two; you just have to say the sounds to write the word. |
Martha (Year Three) | I like writing stories. |
Jessica (Year Four) | We have had so many different opportunities to write creatively. |
Olivia (Year Five) | All the powerful language we have learned has really improved my writing. |
Harry (Year Six) | Our writing following our residential was interesting; it was a great opportunity to recount what we learned and experienced. |
Spelling at All Saints’
Spelling – Additional Ideas
How to access Spelling Shed