English/Literacy

The National Literacy Strategy (NLS) was introduced in September 1998 and because of its time allocation is known as the Literacy Hour. English includes Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing.

Speaking and Listening

Talking is fundamental to a pupil’s learning. Pupils are encouraged and helped to talk clearly, confidently and with expression in order to communicate ideas and feelings. Similarly, and just as importantly, is the need to listen and respond.

Reading

One of the greatest gifts we can give a child is the ability to read. We believe that reading should be an enjoyable activity, and our approach to reading is based on this. At Key Stage 1 there is great emphasis on the teaching of reading and at Key Stage 2 we extend and develop each child’s reading skills.

We aim to develop a love of reading and therefore encourage pupils to bring books home to share with you.

Children need to be able to read with understanding, for pleasure and for information. Pupils’ reading is structured in Key Stage 1 and pupils are helped and guided towards suitable reading material. As the pupils move through the school they are given more opportunity for greater choice in reading.

Our well stocked school library allows the children to benefit from good quality fictional and non-fictional reading materials. We are currently developing a computerised system that will increase usage of our library and allow some of our older pupils to act as school librarians.

Writing

Pupils are helped to develop the ability to express their thoughts, ideas and communication skills through the written word. Every attempt is made to ensure that the pupils develop a command of basic English which includes punctuation, spelling, grammar and handwriting. We believe it is important that children see their work as having purpose and that they regard themselves as authors of their work. Opportunities are provided for pupils to develop the necessary writing skills required for different purposes and audiences. During their time with us they will write in a range of text genre including: narrative, instructions, poetry, recount and reports. The link between reading and writing is strongly emphasised.

We assess our pupils’ writing on a half term basis and are able to track their progress in this area throughout their time with us.

Alice found herself in a dark, mysterious land. She looked around for a place to sit. Luckily she found a stump with a fish next to it. Alice sat down on the stump, took off her boots and looked around. She was now in a forest with thick pines. She was no longer in a clearing, she was actually in the middle of the forest though it would be hard to tell with out a signpost saying "Middle of the Forest." Slowly Alice got up off the rock and ran backwards. All of a sudden 'BUMP', Alice ran forward and then fell backwards. It was James. Alice started to think and realised that James was wearing red boots. "James," sighed Alice. James took the boots off and all of a sudden they both started spinning and as quick as a wink they were home. (Bethany aged 9)

One day Carl saw a bear. First the bear was a good bear. Next the boy and the bear went to his cave. Then the cave was full of bears. After that the bear and Carl went to the shops and the park. At last Carl went on the swings. Finally Carl went home. (Samuel aged 6)