From the moment children join our school, they will engage with literacy teaching that has been structured around the current National Curriculum and around the Early Learning Goals in Foundation Stage.
Our pupils begin to develop their reading and writing skills in our Foundation Stage classes. Soon after they start in Reception, the children begin daily phonics sessions, in line with Jolly Phonics. As they develop their phonic knowledge they are given ample opportunities, both during adult-led activities and within continuous provision, to practise and consolidate their skills. Assessments completed at the end of each phonic phase in Reception are then passed on to KS1 staff so that the children’s phonics journeys can continue.
We have worked hard to use a wide range of exciting and engaging materials to support and enthuse children in their learning. One of our aims is to foster a love of reading across the school, not only to improve comprehension skills but to also celebrate reading for pleasure. Every class in our school dedicates time to read for pleasure which we believe is important to develop a love of reading and to also improve their skills in other areas of the literacy curriculum.
Our approach to writing involves immersing children in a rich variety of texts which they explore before beginning their own writing. Children are provided with exciting writing opportunities across the curriculum which deepens their understanding of poetry, fiction and non-fiction genres. When pupils are writing independently, teachers set high expectations to ensure children reach their full potential.
Spelling rules are taught explicitly and the children are tested weekly to ensure they meet the spelling expectations for their age. We also believe that children should be exposed to a wide range of ambitious vocabulary which they are encouraged to explore and include in their own writing.
We believe that every child will leave SEC equipped with the necessary skills in reading and writing in order to access the range of opportunities that they will be presented with as they make the transition to secondary education.
The National Curriculum for English aims to 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.
The National Curriculum requires that children are taught key skills and processes that are essential for writing. At SEC we want our children to be successful at each stage of the writing process:
- Planning
- Drafting and writing
- Evaluating and editing
- Proof reading
- Reading aloud to others
As part of this process, children are given opportunities to write for real purposes and audiences. Pupils at SEC will have opportunities to apply and showcase their writing skills across the curriculum.
Literacy Planning
Whole Whole School Literacy Planning Overview
Year 1 Writing Checklist
Year 2 Writing Checklist
Year 3 Writing Checklist
Year 4 Writing Checklist
Year 5 Writing Checklist
Year 6 Writing Checklist
Spelling Planning
Year 1 Spelling Overview
Year 2 Spelling Overview
Year 3 Spelling Overview
Year 4 Spelling Overview
Year 5 Spelling Overview
Year 6 Spelling Overview