English

Intent:

At Rood End Primary School, we believe that every pupil has the right to be able to read, write and apply spoken language to the best of their abilities. In order to achieve this aim, the teaching of English, in all of its forms, has a high profile within the school. We follow the National Curriculum for English ensuring that all pupils:

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

are competent in the arts of speaking and listening.

Implementation:

At Rood End Primary School, we recognise that pupils need to practise reading daily in order to become proficient. All pupils within the school are placed on a book band that is appropriate to their current reading attainment. Pupils working on the Rocket Phonics programme will also receive a phonics book linked to the sounds they have been taught.

The school provides a wide variety of high quality resources to support the teaching of reading through access to classroom reading books, children’s newspapers and magazines, audio books and an online Reading Eggs/Reading Plus program.

Pupils who can confidently decode will have comprehension sessions using school-based reading materials. These include: CGP text books, teacher-prepared questions focused on a particular reading skill and linked to an English text; or online cross-curricular resources using Literacy Key.

Reading volunteers/pupil buddies, Catch-Up tuition and additional reading opportunities are provided for selected pupils. Precision teaching is also used as an intervention.

The school follows a text-based approach. Children study whole texts and make comparisons between authors and styles. https://www.roodend.sandwell.sch.uk/what-texts-do-we-read-in-school/

Over the course of an English unit, pupils will become immersed in the text through reading-based activities. They will then be taught grammar-based skills in context and apply that knowledge to clearly defined written outcomes.

To ensure accessibility, staff will use adapted or differentiated texts: including use of audio materials, graphic novels or visual films. To support oral retelling and structuring written work, Talk for Writing techniques may be used.

Spelling is taught and assessed weekly linked to Rocket Phonics or No Nonsense Spelling programme. Pupils are given words to learn using a 7:3 ratio – seven words following a spelling pattern or spelling rule and three words from their year group word lists.

Handwriting is taught using the PenPals scheme. See separate handwriting policy.

To support application of knowledge, pupils have a weekly Free Writing session where they have greater ownership of their written work and have to think like authors. They are encouraged to develop an enthusiasm for writing – creating outcomes based on their personal interests and styles. 

Impact:

Throughout the school, pupils’ knowledge and skills are assessed through a combination of daily observation and more formal summative assessments. When undertaking 1:1 reading, staff will assess decoding and comprehension. Written outcomes will be used in moderation meetings. Summative testing, through NFER/Rising Stars and SATs materials, are used to benchmark pupils’ knowledge against age-related standards.

Children will leave Rood End Primary with the knowledge and skills to be able to access the Key Stage Three curriculum. They read for pleasure and have a good understanding of a range of authors. Pupils will write clearly and coherently for a range of audiences. They speak confidently in a range of contexts and make valuable contributions to both school and their wider community.