Our Philosophy
Reading
Our highest priority is placed on developing all our pupils as readers and fostering a love of reading in all our pupils. From the day they start in the Reception class, pupils are read to daily, from a wide range of texts. They also spend time memorising stories to support the development of their vocabulary, language structures and patterns. In addition all pupils receive a daily reading lesson and are also expected to read independently at home and school by borrowing books from our school library. All of our library books are levelled according to the Accelerated Reader reading programme which enables us to ensure that all pupils are making strong progress and swiftly identify pupils that begin falling behind.
Phonics
Throughout the Reception year and Year 1 and 2, we teach children to read and write using a systematic and rigorous programme called Read Write Inc. Children are grouped according to the amount of progress made on the programme which ensures that learning is matched to the child's stage of development. Regular assessment ensures that all children are making progress and are identified for additional intervention and support should they be falling behind.
Writing
In Key Stage 2, from Year 3, teachers teach writing according to 'Talk for Writing' principles. First of all, pupils will read a model text and then spend time evaluating and discussing their response to the text as a reader. Secondly they will analyse the text as a writer; consider vocabulary choices, grammatical devices and structures. Thirdly, they will practise these techniques and will be supported to innovate (adapt) the text in a particular way. Finally they will have a go at writing their own version of the genre independently.
Spelling
All pupils from Reception to Y6 receive a short daily spelling lesson based on the RWI programme.
Handwriting
Children in the Reception class are taught to write using pre-cursive script. This means children are taught to form the letters with a lead stroke in and a stroke out which enables them to switch to cursive script rapidly in Key Stage One without having to 'un-form' previous habits learned.
Curriculum Aims
Reading
In line with the National Curriculum for Reading, we aim to ensure that, by the end of Key Stage Two, all pupils can:
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Demonstrate a stamina for reading across a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts.
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Question and analyse information in print, discussing their understanding and exploring the meaning of words in context.
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Make sense of text and reflect on their reading, making connections with previously read material.
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Use reading to influence their writing.
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Recall elements of text in detail, including a range of poetry.
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Summarise the key points in a text.
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Make inferences and justify them with evidence from the text.
Writing
In line with the National Curriculum for Writing, we aim to ensure that by the end of Key Stage 2, all pupils can:
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plan, revise and evaluate their writing.
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develop effective transcription and effective composition.
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develop an awareness of the audience's purpose and context.
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demonstrate an increasingly wide knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.
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draw on their reading to enhance their writing.
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use fluent, legible and cursive handwriting.