English

Our mission is to ensure that all our pupils have the most developed literacy skills they need for the next stage of their education. The English teaching we provide allows all children to fulfil their potential while giving them the skills to understand and use language in all its aspects. We aim to engage all children in high quality learning experiences to foster passions for lifelong reading; while providing the confidence to communicate effectively in both speech and writing. We believe that literacy has the power to enrich lives, we will strive to ensure every child develops the confidence and competence to embrace literature in its many forms. Our curriculum allows us to develop English skills through focus texts.

In English lessons, texts are chosen because of their literary value and diverse and inclusive content – exposing children to high level vocabulary, modelling well-structured grammar and enthusing children to engage with the text empathetically, creatively and emotionally. When reading, after learning to decode, children analyse a text using these skills: Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explanations, Retrieval and Sequencing/Summarising.

The texts are used as an inspiration for oracy and writing. Immersion in a text could include freeze-frames, role-play, hot-seating, drawing, dancing, discussions, debating and other enriching activities which equip children with a strong command of the written and spoken word. Story mapping, boxing up plans and model texts are techniques used from EYFS to KS2, ensuring a familiar approach to teaching the skills of creative writing throughout the school. This means that children are equipped with these tools and can develop their skills when they change classes. Writing focuses on narrative, non-narrative and poetry. Discrete spelling, phonics, reading, grammar and handwriting lessons may go alongside English lessons depending on the age and stage of the pupils.

At Everton Heath Primary, we use the spelling scheme ‘Spelling Shed’. The children are set weekly spelling activities which they are given opportunities to apply in their writing. Spelling Shed provides online activities which children can access at home and in the classroom.

Children are taught to join legibly, through discrete handwriting lessons.

Our approach to phonics is systematic, consistent and rigorous in order that all children become fluent readers as quickly as possible. Phonics is taught using the SoundsWrite scheme.

Learn–Grow–Thrive