Reading
Intent
We consider the ability to read as a fundamental life skill. We understand that reading is intrinsically linked with speaking and listening, phonics, writing and spelling and as such we aim to teach all of these skills in a way that enables our children to read with fluency, confidence and understanding.
We believe children should take pleasure in reading as well as reading for information and that children should have the opportunity to experience a wide range of literature and reading materials that are presented to them in a positive, rich reading environment. We recognise that all children are different in their reading ability, motivation and experience and as such aim to provide them with opportunities to learn to read in a way that will be most appropriate for them. We recognise that children need a range of support from quality teaching, good resources, parental support and positive approaches if they are to achieve as readers.
Implementation
We use Bug Club Phonics as our phonetically decodable book scheme. Reading is taught individually, within groups and whole class reading with a specific objective being delivered each session. Reading skills are also taught and applied across a range of other curriculum areas.
Phonics is taught in a discrete daily phonics session in all year groups from Nursery to Year Two using the Bug Club Phonics. This is supported by an online resource where children can access reading books and phonics learning activities online both at school and at home. Phonics is also taught across the curriculum, particularly using and applying the taught phonic skills.
Writing
Intent
The ability to write competently is a vital life skill. We recognise that good writers are readers and that a culmination of influential factors such as effective and purposeful talk, reading, speaking and listening all contribute to successful writing. We understand that the teaching of the writing process is explicitly linked to the teaching of reading and speaking and listening.
In essence, writing is a primary means of expression. It is our belief that every child is entitled to become a successful writer in order to fully express him or herself. We aim to provide a rich literary environment whereby children become at ease and keen to write and as a result, we share and celebrate their efforts in writing. We recognise that writing is a complex skill that takes time, effort and real craftsmanship and that all children will approach writing in a different way. We aim to tailor our teaching of the writing process suitably to the needs of our children and recognise that every child will need a range of support from quality teaching, good resources, parental support and positive approaches if they are to become successful, lifelong writers.
Information about our curriculum can be found by clicking the links below. Equally, further details in our English Curriculum Implementation Document are available, on request, from the school office.