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Woolston Infant School

English

Curriculum Vision: English

At Woolston Infant School we aim to establish an environment that enables all pupils to become independent, lifelong learners. We aspire for excellence and encourage all pupils, whatever their ability or starting point, to achieve the best they possibly can. We believe that providing pupils with a well sequenced, purposeful and engaging English curriculum that promotes the development of high standards of oracy.

The National Curriculum (2014) clearly states that teaching the English language is an essential, if not the most essential role of a primary school:

‘Teachers should develop pupil’s spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; for pupils, understanding the language provides access to the whole curriculum. Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects.’

Our ambition is that in all English lessons, children’s knowledge and experiences are deepened through the use of high-quality texts, and that opportunities are provided for children to apply skills and produce outcomes for a range of audiences and purposes. We strive to broaden and deepen all children’s knowledge and understanding. English provision at Woolston Infant School follows the National Curriculum Programmes of Study.

Reading into Writing

At Woolston Infant School, we follow a ‘reading into writing’ model to teach writing. Teachers begin this journey by mapping ‘text potential’ prior to planning a unit of work. This ensures that the chosen text is fit for purpose, is of high quality and the teaching of vocabulary can be planned for. Purpose, audience and form are key drivers in each unit of writing. These are shared with the children at the start of a unit and can been seen on the working wall and learning journey overviews within children’s English books. See the structure below to illustrate the ‘reading into writing’ model:

Reading into Writing Journey Unit Overviews

Writing planning should follow our school format and include the following:

  • A clear independent outcome
  • Clear purpose, audience and form for the piece of work
  • National Curriculum taught skills
  • A progressive ‘reading into writing’ teaching sequence
  • Planned, high level vocabulary
  • Links to spelling rules, common exception words, handwriting and phonics
  • High-quality stimuli to support the teaching and learning
  • Follow the school’s agreed lesson structure

Speaking and Listening

Communication is the most important skill in life. To understand and be understood is a basic human need which our curriculum has at its heart.

Our speaking and listening curriculum is about;

  • Developing vocabulary, grammar and pupils understanding for reading and writing by hearing quality spoken language.
  • Gaining information by listening in a variety of contexts.
  • Elaborating, explaining, clarifying thinking and explaining their understanding.
  • Using discussion to challenge, to probe and remedy misconceptions.
  • Presenting ideas clearly