Embedded Files
English
English
Language is embedded in and across all subjects we teach. It is vital for the construction of meaning, for communicating, and for developing understanding. At Landmark International School, we acknowledge that all teachers, regardless of their specialism, are language teachers. Through a carefully constructed journey, students will explore and use language in a range of contexts, ensuring meaningful connections are made between, across and within subject areas. Our units of inquiry develop in response to the evolving experiences and understandings of the students, rather than as predetermined outcomes. This allows teachers to follow the needs and interests of individual students, as their learning unfolds.
Our English curriculum is divided into the following strands:
Oral Language - listening and speaking
Visual Language - viewing and presenting
Written Language - Reading
Written Language - Writing
At Landmark International School, we value the importance of immersing students in rich texts that inspire them to develop a lifelong love and respect of literature. Through a focus on developing their understanding of the purpose and audience for a range of written, oral and visual texts, students learn to analyse and evaluate them, in order to enable them to be critical consumers of the many forms they will encounter throughout their lives.
We firmly believe that children need a strong foundation in oracy before they are able to write with purpose and passion. From our earliest years, we support children's development of vocabulary, through immersing them in playful opportunities to hear stories, engage in imaginative role play, participate in Visible Thinking Routines, and also through clear modelling from adults.
As students move up through the Primary School, they continue to develop reasoning and critical and creative thinking skills, through exposure to a wide variety of texts, from picture books, novels, multimedia formats, graphic organisers, maps, theatre, presentations and poetry. Through analysing and exploring these text types, evaluating their effectiveness, as well as their technical composition, students learn to both receive and create their own messages, confidently selecting an appropriate form of communication depending on the nature of the task and the expected outcome.
Examples of how students learn about specific text types in an authentic and meaningful way, through our transdisciplinary curriculum can be found in our Reading and Writing Map. Continuous monitoring and formative assessment allows teachers to identify where specific skills need further development, and discrete skills can be taught to support students´ conceptual understanding of the conventions of written, spoken and visual English.
Handwriting
Handwriting
Rationale
Handwriting remains an essential part of the learning process, even in our increasingly digital world. Research shows that writing by hand enhances memory retention, supports fine motor development, and strengthens cognitive connections through dual-coding—processing information both visually and kinesthetically. The act of handwriting, especially in cursive, engages perceptual-motor systems that improve hand-eye coordination and reinforce learning.
While we prepare students for a future where digital communication is dominant, developing strong foundational handwriting skills ensures they are equipped with the cognitive and motor benefits handwriting offers. We promote a balanced approach that values handwriting as a thinking and learning tool, while recognising the growing role of technology.
Handwriting Curriculum Progression
Handwriting Curriculum Progression
We follow the Twinkl Cursive Scheme, including rhymes and visual aids (ground, grass, sky) to support letter formation and fluency. Instruction is tailored to each developmental stage:
Kingfisher Class:
Children will learn to identify and form lowercase and capital letters in print, using a comfortable tripod pencil grip. Formation is supported with rhymes and spatial awareness cues (ground, grass, sky).Robin Class:
Children will begin to learn basic letter joins and develop a legible style. Handwriting will transition to lined books to support spatial consistency.Toucan Class:
Children will develop fluent, joined handwriting and build stamina for longer written pieces, focusing on consistency and accuracy.Eagle Class:
Children will refine and consolidate their own clear, legible, and comfortable handwriting style. Pen use is encouraged where appropriate to support fluency, pride and clarity in presentation.
Exemptions and Individual Considerations
Exemptions and Individual Considerations
New Joiners (Year 4 and above):
Pupils joining with accurate, legible, and fluent handwriting will not be required to re-learn formations or adopt cursive, unless handwriting hinders communication or learning efficiency.SEND:
Where handwriting presents a barrier to learning, appropriate adjustments will be made. These may include the use of pencil grips, assistive technology, alternative recording methods, or adapted handwriting goals. Support strategies will be guided by individual needs and in consultation with families and support staff.
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