Intent

In the teaching of English at St. Helen’s we embrace an approach which expects all children to reach or exceed national expectations. High expectations of progress apply equally to children working above, at, or below age-related expectations, including those who have been identified as having special educational needs. Teaching and learning of reading and writing is characterised by ambitious objectives, challenging personal targets, rapid intervention to keep pupils on trajectory and rigorous assessment to check and maintain pupil progress. The teacher’s priority is to support children so that they can keep up with the pace of learning and make good rates of progress.  Effective teaching practices means that teachers expect everyone to succeed by offering higher levels of support or extra challenge for those who need it, ensuring that all pupils can access the learning at the expected year group standard.

Implementation

• Teachers have good subject knowledge through regularly CPD both internal and external.
• Lessons are planned with reference to the National Curriculum for English.
• Lessons are delivered through quality first teaching with consideration to the individual needs of all children.
• Assessment is used to ensure understanding of knowledge and skills, and to inform future planning.
• School resources are used to compliment teaching effectively.
• Explicit English lessons develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary.
• English skills taught are highlighted and expected in all other areas of the curriculum.
• Our pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure and to read widely.
• Writing skills are taught so that our pupils have the stamina and ability to write at the age expected standard.
• Opportunities are provided for writing for purpose and pupils are encouraged to see themselves as authors.
• Handwriting is explicitly taught and held in high regard in all areas of the curriculum.
• Reading is given a high profile through a range of extra activities including: Book Fairs, World Book Day and author visits.

Impact

The implementation of the English policy will ensure that pupils develop detailed knowledge and skills, which they are able to put into practice across a broad and balanced curriculum. Furthermore our pupils will be equipped to begin their KS3 education. The impact of our English curriculum will be measured by assessment procedures which allow us to consider outcomes against all schools nationally in end of KS2 SATs. Perhaps more importantly, it will be measured by how effectively it helps our pupils develop into well rounded individuals who embody our values and carry with them the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will make them lifelong learners and readers.