Embedded Files
At Leigh on Mendip School, we believe learning should lead to a lasting change in long-term memory. Our aim is to offer every child a broad and rich English curriculum, enabling them to develop strong reading, writing and communication skills that stay with them for life.
Curriculum Intent
We are passionate about fostering a love of reading & writing and spoken language. Through a rich and varied curriculum, we aim to:
Inspire children to read widely, often, and for pleasure.
Help pupils take pride in writing clearly, creatively and for different purposes.
Develop confident speakers and attentive listeners.
Provide a secure, well-structured path of progression in English from Reception to Year 6.
Early Reading and Phonics
In Reception and Year 1, we teach daily phonics through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds scheme. Our approach is:
Systematic and synthetic (focusing on phonemes and graphemes).
Designed to help children master the phonetic code quickly.
Supported by regular assessments to identify and support those needing extra help.
Developing Fluent, Confident Readers
Developing Fluent, Confident Readers
As children progress:
Books are matched to their current phonics knowledge.
They read in school and re-read at home to build fluency.
Children also take home a "sharing book" to enjoy with their families.
We then move on to a wider range of fiction and non-fiction using a scheme called 'Accelerated Reader. This enables the children to deepen vocabulary, broaden knowledge and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Reading Incentives
Reading Incentives
We love celebrating reading, that's why we regularly gift our children brand new books for regular reading.
Writing
Writing
The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written language. It is essential that the teaching of writing develops pupils competence in transcription and composition. The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:
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.
In Leigh on Mendip school these aims are embedded across our literacy lessons and the wider curriculum. We will provide the means for children to develop a secure knowledge-base in Literacy, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum.
Handwriting & Spelling
Handwriting & Spelling
Letter formation is introduced through phonics in Early Years.
Regular handwriting practice continues throughout the school.
Spelling is taught in line with the National Curriculum see English Appendix One here.
Spoken Language
Spoken Language
Teachers should develop pupil’s spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; for pupils, understanding the language provides access to the whole curriculum. Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects. The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:
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.
At Leigh on Mendip school we recognise that without effective communication, little achievement can be made. We ensure that English teaching is priority and we recognise that this is necessary cross curricular and a constant throughout school life.
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