English
Subject Leader - Miss Lister
Click here to view the English National Curriculum Programme of Study
At St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, we believe English is a fundamental part of every child's education and we are committed to ensuring that reading and writing skills are promoted throughout the curriculum.
English Intent
At St Joseph’s, we value reading as a key life skill and place great importance on enabling our children to become life-long readers. We want all of our children to develop a love of books and reading as we believe it is not only one of the finest pleasures in life, but also essential to academic success. By the time the children leave school, we want all of them to be competent readers, have a thirst for reading different genres and enjoy actively taking part in discussions about books.
We want our children to be enthusiastic about writing, drawing upon their reading experience. We aim for them to develop as imaginative, creative and independent writers, who can write competently and fluently. Our vision for the writing curriculum is one that encompasses a wide variety of genres, whilst ensuring a strong sense of audience and purpose. It is important to us that our children understand the value in planning carefully, drafting, editing and publishing their written work. We also want our children to be able spellers, who understand the importance of grammar and punctuation in writing coherently.
English Implementation
At St Joseph’s, the reading curriculum is planned around the topics on the whole school long term plan. We ensure that children experience quality texts throughout the year, which have been specifically chosen to develop skills and knowledge across the wider curriculum. Reading opportunities are made in English lessons and across other areas of the curriculum and in every classroom, a reading area has been developed to enhance personal reading opportunities and book selections. Children are given further opportunities to read through guided reading, individual reading, story time and through the whole school reading scheme which promotes reading at home.
Writing is taught every day through a distinct writing process journey encompassing the skills of planning, writing and editing. During lessons, children are exposed to the punctuation, grammar and spelling rules appropriate to their year group which will support their writing journey. Opportunities are provided for the children to be able to write in other curriculum areas, to further develop the children's English skills and knowledge.
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Phonics
Phonics progress is tracked carefully throughout school. All children in Year One are screened in phonics in the Summer Term.
At St Joseph's we have chosen to support children in their phonics learning through the use of Supersonic Phonic Friends, We will ensure children develop confidence and apply each skill to their own reading and writing. They will be highly motivated to ‘Read with Speed’ and ‘Write with all their might!’
To find out more about this scheme please view the Super Sonic Friends website here.
The Oxford Tree Reading Scheme
St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School uses the Oxford Reading Tree scheme across all year groups.
We promote reading for pleasure throughout school often having book sales too!
Parents are encouraged to help foster a love of books and reading at home.
Oxford Owls is a supportive website to use at home.
Our Annual World Book day event is always enjoyed by all.
Recommended Reads
Please view the lists below to see a range of suggested books for each year group
Developing Reading skills and Comprehension
The development of comprehension skills is essential for pupils to make progress. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know.
At St Joseph's we ensure the children are taught specific reading comprehension skills through a systematic, consistent whole class approach. Through reading and discussing a range of age related stories, poems and non-fiction texts, pupils are given the opportunities improve the skills that will enhance their learning across the curriculum.
During individualised 1:1 reading support sessions and guided reading sessions, the specific reading elements of the National Curriculum are developed to ensure pupils are well prepared for the end of Key Stage National Assessments.
Reading Gems
Reading Gems is a whole school reading strategy that aims to teach children to take pleasure in
reading by themselves, listening to someone else read, and sharing texts with adults and other
children. Different and specific key skills are taught explicitly to the children through discussions
about texts, teacher modelling and opportunities to answer questions independently or with support
where needed. Each new reading skill is allocated a colour-coded ‘gem’. By having a focus on
a certain reading gem, children are able to learn strategies to help them develop that particular skill.
Support your child at home by using the reading gems- Questions to ask your child
Writing
Pupils at St Joseph's are taught how to become successful writers. Pupils develop the skills in handwriting, spelling and composition so ideas can be formed, articulated and communicated effectively. The Whole School Long Term Plan sets out the genres each year group will be taught. Integrated within the teaching of writing are the required spelling, grammar and punctuation skills set out in the programme of Study. Pupils' are encouraged to edit and peer and self assess their own writing; looking ways to improve their work.
Drawing Club in EYFS supports the children to become independent and successful learners immersing them into a world of story and imagination.
Spelling
Click here for the KS2 word lists
Inclusion and Diversity
We like to promote inclusion and diversity in our school by sharing texts with the children to broaden their experiences and knowledge of a range of issues.
Our fabulous parents have donated some of these books so we can share them in school. Thank you to each one of you who has supported our school in this way.
Greater Depth
