English
“Reading is like breathing in, Writing is like breathing out.” Pam Ally
INTENT
Reading brings new ideas, perspectives and worldviews. Writing is how we send our own voice, hopes, wonderings and opinions into the world.
Reading, Writing and Communication are at the core of the curriculum offered at Nunney First School. We use high-quality texts, to immerse pupils in vocabulary rich learning environments where imagination and creativity can be fuelled and pupils develop a love of reading. We have a rigorous and well organised English curriculum that not only provides purposeful opportunities, but also ensures pupils are equipped with the skills they need to become lifelong learners.
Togetherness – Pupils at Nunney First School learn to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Pupils share texts and stories, allowing pupils to embark on a journey of discovery together, collaborating to achieve a common outcome.
Happiness – We inspire a love of reading at an early age as we recognise it is the key that unlocks the door to lifelong learning. Pupils develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information, helping them not only make sense of the world around them, but also people, building social-emotional skills and of course imagination.
Respect – Our curriculum ensures pupils appreciate their rich and varied literary heritage. 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. Pupils learn to express their opinions and respect the diverse opinions of others.
Independence – In every class, we use discussion in order to learn; pupils are encouraged to elaborate and explain their understanding and ideas clearly. They become competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate. These language skills ensure pupils can fully participate as a member of society. We recognise that only pupils who learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are able to effectively partake in wider society.
Variety – At Nunney First School, pupils acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and a knowledge of language for reading, writing and spoken language. Throughout the year, English lessons provide opportunities for pupils to use drama, write together (shared writing), be creative, ask questions, learn outdoors and most importantly inspire a love of learning.
Excellence – At Nunney First School, we use High Quality Teaching. We aspire for pupils to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. As well as this, we aim for pupils to be able to read both easily and fluently, with good understanding.
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. Our carefully sequenced, broad and balanced curriculum aims to provide our children with the opportunity to build on their experiences in order to achieve their goals.
IMPLEMENTATION
WRITING
Across the school from Reception to Year Four we use ‘Pathways to Write’ to ensure a consistent, broad and balanced scheme of learning.
“Pathways to Write is a proven methodology built around units of work which develop vocabulary, reading and writing skills through the mastery approach. The units, for use with pupils from EYFS to Y6, provide clear detailed lesson plans and resources, linked to high-quality texts to ensure engaging and purposeful English lessons. Effective teaching strategies to challenge greater depth writers are included within each unit of work.” Pathways to Write website
Here is our Writing Progression Y1 – Y4 document
READING AND SPELLING
Read Write Inc. Phonics is a DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme with a whole-school approach to teaching early reading and writing.
It teaches children to read accurately, fluently and with understanding and to spell. Children read stories using the phonic knowledge and build comprehension skills through verbal questioning.
Once children at Nunney complete the whole programme, children move onto literacy and language sessions. This practice more complex spelling rules and deepen their comprehension skills.
Reading at home
“Reading is a passport to countless adventures.” Mary Pope Osbourne
Please see our Reading guide for supporting parents to read with their children at home.
Parent Information Evening Presentation, 22/09/2022
Please click image below to open the presentation shared by Mrs Baker at our Parent Information Evening
