Curriculum Statement of Intent
Here at Moreton Say we believe that children need to develop a sound and secure knowledge base in English. We therefore follow a clear pathway of progression which begins, for both reading and writing, in EYFS and continues right the way through to Year 6 and equips pupils, therefore, for what then lies beyond. Our carefully sequenced, broad and balanced curriculum, aims to provide our children with the opportunity to build on their experiences, knowledge and skills in order to achieve their goals. Frequent and informative summative and qualitative assessment and review ensure that we are able to provide targeted support when it is needed so that all children experience success in English; we believe that a secure basis in English skills is critical to our children’s overall success across the entire curriculum.
The English curriculum has three distinct strands.
- Spoken Language
Our curriculum is designed to ensure children develop a love of literature. We promote a love of reading for pleasure by using high quality texts for our teaching and our reading environment promotes curiosity and encourages our children to select texts from a breadth of sources and authors. Reading is central to English work in school, with the aim for all children being able to read fluently and with confidence, in any subject by the time they leave our school.
Early Reading skills are develop through phonics Teaching using the ‘Little Wandle’ validated phonics scheme. It is used daily from the Early Years Foundation Stage throughout Key Stage 1 in a highly structured way to ensure the integrity and fidelity of the programme is maintained. It provides an understanding of phonics and key words and their use in reading and writing with daily opportunities to recap prior learning, before introducing the new and, for those requiring some additonal support, daily ‘Keep Up’ sessions in addition to the daily Phonics lesson are incorporated.
The writing skills of transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing) are developed through a range of carefully selected activities. Children are encouraged to draft, reflect upon and improve their written work following appropriate feedback. We nurture a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly, imaginatively and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts.
Spoken language is developed in each year group and pupil voice is developed using a range of activities. Cross-curricular work is often a focus for quality spoken language, as is involvement in other areas of school life such as school councils for example, this in turn supporting the development of reading and writing.
English provides the communication skills fundamental to functioning effectively on a personal, social, educational and professional basis. In recognition of this, English provides the foundation of the school curriculum at Moreton Say Primary School.
Mrs Vicky Baillie – English subject lead
Our English Curriculum, coverage of the National Curriculum, skills and knowledge, and detailed progression document outling the steps in learning our pupils make to build their knowledge and skills in Reading and Writing are detailed in the downloadable documents listed at the bottom of this page.