Language and Literacy
At Shanklea Primary teachers work to develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. English will be taught as reading and writing both a subject in its own right and as a medium for teaching other subjects. Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects.
Spoken Language
Pupils will be taught to speak clearly and convey ideas confidently using Standard English. They will learn to justify ideas with reasons; ask questions to check understanding; develop vocabulary and build knowledge; negotiate; evaluate and build on the ideas of others; and select the appropriate register for effective communication. They will be taught to give well-structured descriptions and explanations and develop their understanding through speculating, hypothesising and exploring ideas. This will enable them to clarify their thinking as well as organise their ideas for writing.
Reading and Writing
Teachers will develop pupils’ reading and writing in all subjects to support their acquisition of knowledge. Pupils will be taught to read fluently, understand extended prose (both fiction and non-fiction) and be encouraged to read for pleasure. We will do everything to promote wider reading through the provision of library facilities and by setting ambitious expectations for reading at home. Pupils will develop the stamina and skills to write at length, with accurate spelling and punctuation. They will be taught the correct use of grammar within all lessons. They will build on what they have been taught to expand the range of their writing and the variety of the grammar they use. The writing they do will include narratives, explanations, descriptions, comparisons, summaries and evaluations: this will support them in rehearsing, understanding and consolidating what they have heard or read. Where possible this writing will be linked to real life situations and experiences.
Vocabulary Development
At Shanklea Primary we understand that pupils’ acquisition and command of vocabulary are key to their learning and progress across the whole curriculum. Teachers will therefore develop vocabulary actively, building systematically on pupils’ current knowledge and expose children to high quality texts. They will aim to increase pupils’ store of words in general; simultaneously, they will also make links between known and new vocabulary and discuss the shades of meaning in similar words. In this way, pupils will expand the vocabulary choices that are available to them when they write. In addition, we recognise it is vital for pupils’ comprehension that they understand the meanings of words they meet in their reading across all subjects, and older pupils will be taught the meaning of instruction verbs that they may meet in examination questions. It is particularly important to induct pupils into the language which defines each subject in its own right, such as accurate mathematical and scientific language.
English
English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. At Shanklea Primary a high-quality education in English will be provided which will teach pupils 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. Through reading in particular, pupils will have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, will play a key role in such development. Reading will also enable pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know.
Aims
The overarching aim for English at Shanklea Primary is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. Our curriculum will ensure 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
· 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.