English 

 Our aims.

At Whiteley Primary School we believe that Literacy is a fundamental life skill. Literacy develops children’s ability to listen, speak, read and write for a wide range of purposes. Children are enabled to express themselves creatively and imaginatively as they become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama, as well as of non-fiction and media texts. Children gain an understanding of how language works by looking at its patterns, structures and origins. Children use their knowledge, skills and understanding in speaking and writing across a range of different situations.

 The Curriculum.

The English curriculum is based on the New National Curriculum for English objectives. The emphasis of the new objectives allow for more in depth teaching of grammar and spelling so children gain a greater understanding and control of the spoken and written language. The new framework allows flexiblity to teach children the skills in these areas which they may not have acquired. The overarching aim of the framework is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written words, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

In the following PDF document you will find targets and guidance listed for the different year groups:

English programmes of study key stages 1 and 2 National Curriculum in England September 2013

Year groups use this framework to plan tailored work which incorporates opportunities to develop literacy skills across the four key areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. Links are made not only between the four areas of the English framework but also to other subjects. Sites of instruction for key skills are identified by teachers and sites of application across the curriculum where children are given the opportunities to apply the skills which they have been taught.

Children are taught English in their class groups with careful differentiation catering for the needs of all abilities. Teachers will work with a combination of individuals, small groups or the whole class depending on the focus. In older year groups, there are also weekly opportunities to work in focussed ability groupings with an additional adult.