Intent

We believe that through communication which includes, speaking and listening, reading and writing pupils develop their power of imagination, inventiveness and awareness of the world. By helping them to gain a secure understanding of English, we are empowering our pupils to communicate effectively and imaginatively, allowing them to engage with others in school and the wider society.

Our intention is to support pupils to become lifelong readers who have enquiring minds and are confident, independent learners.

 ‘Once you learn to read, you will be forever free’

Frederick Douglass

Key Learning

In Early Years, English is taught through the prime areas of Communication and Language (listening and attention, understanding and language and speaking) and the specific areas of Literacy (comprehension word reading and writing).  The specific area of Expressive Arts and Design is also taught and the prime area of Physical Development (fine and gross motor). We want the children to be able to listen, respond and comment on what they have heard using an increasing range of vocabulary.  Children will access stories, songs, non-fiction, rhymes and poetry. We want them to be able to express their ideas and hold a two-way conversation with adults and peers. Children will be able to retell stories and develop their own narratives. Children will make use of props and materials when role-playing characters in narratives and stories.  Children will say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs and will consistently use their phonic knowledge to read aloud simple sentences and common words in books that are in line with their phonic knowledge. We want the children to be able to write correctly formed, recognisable letters, phonetically spell some words and write simple phrases and sentences.