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West Didsbury CE Primary School

West Didsbury CE Primary School

English

English at West Didsbury CE

Intent - Our curriculum is designed so that that our pupils acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to become lifelong learners. We strive to ensure that all our pupils receive a well-rounded learning experience when reading, writing, speaking and listening. The pupils will be immersed in the wonders of quality texts to instil a love for reading, a passion for discovery and a confidence to explore their imagination. The acquisition of language skills is of the utmost importance and therefore the teaching of all aspects of  English is given a high priority within school. Confidence in basic language skills enables children to communicate creatively and imaginatively in all curriculum areas, preparing them for the future. We truly understand that English is an essential tool for life and our aims are to ensure that every child becomes a reader, writer and confident speaker.  We seek to ensure that all children achieve their full

potential in all aspects of English.

Implementation - We will implement the curriculum by teaching through high quality, age appropriate texts, through  the talk for writing program, grammar and punctuation knowledge,  exploration of the writing structure and features of different genres. Children also have the opportunity to plan and write an initial piece of writing with a clear context and purpose before evaluating the effectiveness of writing by editing and redrafting. We teach our pupils to speak clearly, to convey their ideas fluently and confidently and to ask questions.  Our pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure and to read widely. We use ELS Phonics Scheme based on Letters and Sounds for our phonics programme. Phonic awareness helps the development of reading by segmenting and blending sounds. The guided reading sessions cover both fiction and non-fiction books. Guided reading also develops the children’s comprehension skills.

 Impact - Our children will be equipped with the linguistic knowledge to read, write and speak fluently. They will have been exposed to a wide variety of texts and genres and so will be able to express their opinion of the wider world. They will feel more confident to speak out, express their opinion, explore the world of literature and use their command of the English language to be involved in all areas of the curriculum and in the world beyond the classroom. The impact will be measured through children’s books, reading sessions, pupil voice, statutory tests and teacher assessment.  Attainment in, and attitude towards, English sessions will be recorded in the annual parental reports.