English

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Subject Leaders: Rihula Sameer-Mour & Katie Rogers 

Subject Coordinators: Gemma Hall, Emily Lowe, Sarah Jamodu (Early Reading & Phonics)

Link Governor: Lynne Allan

Beaver Road English Vision:

“All children become life-long readers and writers, with an ability to explore the world with a rich knowledge and understanding of the English language.”

At Beaver Road Primary School, we cultivate a strong foundation in English language skills. Our focus is on developing students' ability to read, write, and communicate effectively, empowering them to explore the world around them. By fostering a love of literature and promoting high standards of language and literacy, we equip our students with the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

We aim for our pupils to:

  • read easily, fluently and with good understanding

  • develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information

  • acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

  • appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

  • write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences

  • use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas

  • are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Speaking and Listening:

At Beaver Road, Speaking and Listening form the foundations of all learning in English and across the curriculum. A whole school approach is taken to fostering a love of language and an appreciation of the power of the spoken word. Beginning in the Early Years, we create and facilitate opportunities for conversation, discussion and talk around learning. In Key Stage 1 and 2, ‘Kagan’ Structures underpin learning and collaboration forms the basis of our teaching. As a result, all children are encouraged to be inquisitive and to share their thoughts confidently in a supportive environment.

Children are encouraged to develop effective communication and language skills to express themselves and interact with others. Language is viewed as the foundation for exploring and sustaining personal growth; it is closely linked to the development of self-esteem, emotional wellbeing and the ability to make a positive contribution to society. We aim for pupils to speak clearly, fluently and coherently and to be able to listen to others attentively with understanding, pleasure and empathy.

At Beaver Road, children are encouraged to explore and ‘play’ with language through drama, role-play and poetry. In all year groups, language forms an intrinsic part of learning to read and write successfully.

Phonics:

At Beaver Road we strive to ensure that all children become successful, fluent readers by the end of key stage one and believe this is achievable through a combination of strong, high quality, discrete phonics teaching combined with a whole language approach that promotes a ‘Reading for Pleasure’ culture.

At Beaver Road, we follow the Essential Letters and Sounds Phonics Scheme of Work and principles and practice across foundation stage and key stage one – this is supported by teachers using quality first teaching.

All year one children take the ‘Phonics Screening Check’ - a statutory assessment required by legislation. Those who do not meet the pass mark will be given support and intervention programmes in year two to provide them with sufficient knowledge and understanding to re-take the ‘Phonics Screening Check’ and obtain a pass mark. Those children who do not obtain the required level set by the ‘Phonics Screening Check’ will receive phonics teaching in the first term of year three – which will be further supported throughout the year and across key stage two with a phonics and/or spelling intervention programme

See our Reading Page for more information:

https://www.beaverroad.org.uk/page/reading/71211

See Writing Page for more information:

https://www.beaverroad.org.uk/page/writing/58465

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