“The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.”
Maya Angelou
Intent:
At Haddenham Community Junior School, we recognise the importance of delivering an English curriculum which not only provides pupils with fundamental skills for their future, but also develops creativity, imagination and a love for learning.
We intend to:
-
enable pupils to communicate effectively and confidently in standard English;
-
assist pupils in being able to write for a range of audiences and purposes using spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately and confidently;
-
teach children to spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules they learn throughout their time in KS2;
-
encourage children to use joined-up handwriting which is legible.
Implementation:
English lessons are planned and delivered through the study of high quality texts. Our approach helps to build an enjoyment of reading and writing, whilst developing speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Pupils have the opportunity to engage in drama and discussion linked to the themes and characters within the book, before rehearsing writing skills within a range of genres.
Our curriculum map for writing shows a clear progression of knowledge and skills across the year and across the school. Vocabulary and grammar instruction is embedded into lessons which means skills are learnt within a context, thus making it more easily understood and retained by pupils.
A whole class approach is used with appropriate scaffolding and challenge to allow all pupils to achieve including, the use of modelled and shared writing. Children have the opportunity to share and assess their own and each other’s writing, before having time to edit and improve their work. Success criteria is used to support pupils in understanding how to achieve, and working walls are used to support and display their learning.
We have implemented the Spelling Shed programme which we deliver to all of our pupils across the school. The programme meets the national curriculum expectations for each year group whilst tracking back to prior learning including phonics knowledge. Additional phonics interventions are also put in place. By following this programme with fidelity, we are meeting the needs of all pupils.
Our handwriting scheme ‘Letter-join’ supports teachers in modelling correct formation of letters and cursive writing. Children practise joined-up handwriting and are expected to apply this to all pieces of written work across the curriculum.
Opportunities for enrichment include writing competitions, visits from local authors and drama performances.
Impact:
The impact of our curriculum is monitored through:
-
Outcomes of KS2 tests
-
In school attainment tracking
-
Pupil voice
-
Subject leader monitoring - lesson visits, book scrutinies, teacher voice, actions plans and governor monitoring
Our approaches to reading and writing ensure that all of our pupils are provided with the essential skills needed for later life, supported to develop creativity and imagination and encouraged to foster a love for learning within English. Both internal and external data demonstrates a positive picture for both progress and attainment within reading and writing which is in line with national expectations.
