All children take part in daily activities, including speaking and listening, reading and writing, with links made to other areas of the curriculum to give children a real context for their learning. Children are encouraged to develop confidence in speaking, through a range of different speaking and listening opportunities e.g reading and discussing texts, group discussions or a class debate.
For teaching phonics, we use a well-structured Read Write Inc. programme which develops the skills vital to reading and spelling. For reading for pleasure, we have a range of fiction and non-fiction books. Children are encouraged to develop a love of books from an early age and, as their reading skills progress, there is an increased focus on comprehension skills to develop their understanding of a text. Children are encouraged to make their own choices of reading material and to be able to discuss/reflect in groups and guided sessions their own views and understanding of the various reading activities and challenges.
We have an exceptionally well-stocked library, which we have developed as a lending library with the support of a band of willing and enthusiastic junior librarians; children have weekly visits to the library where they can choose a book to enjoy reading at home. Children also have access to a range of books suited to their class needs from which they can choose books to take home. Each class also has a range of books loaned each term from the School Library Service to enhance a current topic being studied in class.
As children progress through the school, they are introduced to an increasing range of text types so, that by the time they leave primary school, they are familiar with the features and uses of many different text types. This enables them to write with confidence, clarity and, most of all, enjoyment.
Please follow the link below for a breakdown of the National Curriculum objectives for each year group.
English programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2
Bicton Writing Curriculum