English

English – Intent, Implementation and Impact

Intent
At Radford Semele CE Primary School, we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. One of our priorities is helping children read and develop their all-important comprehension skills. We recognise the importance of nurturing a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts. We want to inspire children to be confident in the art of speaking and listening and to be able to use discussion to communicate and further their learning.

We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge-base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. We believe that a secure basis in literacy skills is crucial to a high-quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society.

Implementation
We have a rigorous and well organised English curriculum and framework, that provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion. We use a wide variety of quality texts and resources to motivate and inspire our children. Teachers also ensure that cross-curricular links with concurrent topic work are woven into the programme of study.

The National Curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

● read easily, fluently and with good understanding
● develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
● acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
● appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
● write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
● use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
● are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

At Radford, we have, in recent years, reviewed and revised our stock of children’s literature and invested in a new set of Big Cat Collins reading books for Reception through to Year 6. We have adopted a systematic synthetic phonics teaching programme to ensure that the teaching of phonics is consistent throughout Reception and Key Stage 1. Our reading scheme further ensures that the children’s reading books are directly linked to the teaching of phonics in Reception and Key Stage 1. We are keen for children to foster a love of reading and each child, throughout school, has a second reading book which they individually select from their class library.

At Radford, we identify children who need support and provide intervention in the most effective and efficient way that we can. We run intervention groups and are fortunate to have volunteers who come in regularly to hear children read. Teachers plan and teach English lessons which are differentiated to the particular needs of each child.  We help each child maximise their potential by providing help and support where necessary whilst striving to make children independent workers once we have helped to equip them with the confidence, tools and strategies that they need.

We run parent information sessions on phonics and reading for Reception parents, and a SATs meeting for Year 2 and Year 6 parents so that they understand age-related expectations. These sessions are always very well attended by parents and carers who often comment about how helpful the sessions have been for them.

Marking is rigorous in English and across the curriculum. Teachers follow the school marking policy and allow children time to edit their work. Regular English book scrutinies are carried out to check all teachers are following our marking policy rigorously.

We love to celebrate the success of all learners and strive to help all children achieve their goals. Reading is celebrated in classrooms and around school at Radford Semele.  Each class has a weekly ‘book talk’ session where children and adults can share their love of reading.  Year 5 librarians are integral is acting as reading role models to other children in school; the librarians hold weekly story time sessions in the library for Key Stage 1 children to attend.

 In addition, throughout the school year our English curriculum is enhanced through World Book Day, parent 1:1 reading and a range of trips, visits and visitors which enrich and complement children’s learning.

Impact
 

The impact on our children is clear: progress, sustained learning and transferrable skills.  With the implementation of the writing journey being well established and taught thoroughly in both key stages, children are becoming more confident writers and, by the time they are in upper Key Stage 2, most genres of writing are familiar to them and the teaching can focus on creativity, writer’s craft, sustained writing and manipulation of grammar and punctuation skills. Termly assessment is showing that most children at Radford are achieving in English at age-related expectations, with a number in each class achieving greater depth in reading and writing. 

As all aspects of English are an integral part of the curriculum, cross curricular writing standards have also improved and skills taught in the English lesson are transferred into other subjects; this shows consolidation of skills and a deeper understanding of how and when to use specific grammar, punctuation and grammar objectives. 

We hope that as children move on from Radford Semele CE Primary School, to further their education and learning, that their creativity, passion for English and high aspirations travel with them and continue to grow and develop as they do.