English

In English we will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others; through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them.  All children engage in a daily literacy skills session where they develop their reading and comprehension skills in addition to developing a command of all aspects of the English language.

Spoken language- Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing. The quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are vital for developing their vocabulary and grammar and their understanding for reading and writing. At Willowbrook, we do this through discussion of books, role play and hot seating; discussions of work whilst peer assessing writing; and debating topical issues.

Reading- The programmes of study for reading at key stages 1 and 2 consist of two dimensions:

• word reading
• comprehension (both listening and reading).

At Willowbrook we teach these skills through daily class reading, weekly guided sessions, and a structured individual reading scheme which caters for all abilities.  Our individual reading scheme is a mixture of whole school reading schemes that are relevant and enjoyable for the children and also ensures progression in both word reading skills, phonics, and comprehension. This is structured to ensure that children have access to a wide range of texts from different genres (both fiction and non-fiction), and allows for pupils to develop their skills within a level before moving to the next level, whilst also widening their general knowledge. The colours are not year-group specific and are designed to run throughout the entire primary school. Children are assessed regularly by the class teacher in a variety of ways in order to progress children through the colour bands. We encourage and support the need for all children to read every night. It is essential for them to develop as writers. 

Children rapidly begin to read in our Foundation class by following a phonics programme called 'Little Wandle'.  We also use a Salford reading test to assess children’s reading and comprehension age.

Writing -The programmes of study for writing at key stages 1 and 2 are constructed similarly to those for reading:

• transcription (spelling and handwriting)
• composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing).

These skills are developed through structured English lessons that teach how to plan, revise and evaluate writing with an understanding of audience, purpose and context. We also use Talk for Writing which develops pupils ability to retell texts and broaden their use of vocabulary. Furthermore, the children are given opportunities to use their writing skills in other subjects and through extended writing. Writing also depends on fluent, legible and, eventually, speedy handwriting which is taught on a weekly basis.

Spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and grammar -

At Willowbrook we teach these skills daily through discreet lessons as well as embedding them when teaching reading, writing and spoken language.