English at Ellistown

English at Ellistown

At Ellistown, we aim to:

·Provide a stimulating curriculum and school environment which places the development of reading and writing skills at its heart.

·Teach children to become literate citizens prepared for the wider world and their future careers.

·Develop positive attitudes towards books so that reading is a pleasurable activity.

·Enthuse all children to become keen and confident writers and to be able to write for different audience and purposes.

·Ensure there is progression of reading and writing skills across the school.

·Provide children with meaningful writing experiences inspired by high quality texts linked to class learning where appropriate which challenge, enthuse and engage children.

Handwriting

This is taught regularly (at least weekly) and follows the ‘LetterJoins’ scheme of work using cursive writing from Year 1 up until Year 6. EYFS use print letter form. 

Spelling

In KS1 Spellings are taught in daily phonics sessions and follow the Twinkl Phonics Scheme of Work. In KS2 we use the Spelling Shed scheme of work.

Phonics

This follows the Twinkl Phonics programme (DfE approved scheme) and is taught daily. Interventions are put into place for those in the bottom 20% or still require phonics support in KS2.

Vocabulary

In KS2 ‘Word of the Day’ is taught daily using Vocabulary Ninja and children have ‘Vocabulary’ books to record new vocabulary. Across KS1 and KS2 Vocabulary is a focus in English lessons and throughout the curriculum. Vocabulary is displayed in classrooms to immerse children and for them to use independently in their writing.

Planning and Teaching

We follow a ‘Writing for a Purpose’ approach to writing. Planning units are developed based on quality texts and each unit incorporates Spelling, Grammar and Vocabulary and reading opportunities.

Grammar

‘Alan Peat’s Sentence Types’ are used to embed grammar skills and to provide consistency across the school. Grammar can be taught discretely and embedded within English lessons. 

Reading

Whole class reading is taught in Year 2 onwards following the VIPERS reading skills. Guided reading is implemented in KS1

English Progression Map