Intent: introduction, vision and philosophy
The purpose of this document is to clarify the how, why and what of English writing teaching at Harris Primary Academy Kenley. This is to be used by staff to clarify expectations, highlight the resources that we have access to, and to ensure that a high-quality English curriculum is being taught to all pupils in our academy. At HPAK, we want to develop our pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary so that they can speak clearly, convey their ideas fluently and confidently and to ask questions. We are passionate that our pupils develop a love of reading and writing and can take part in high-quality discussions about a range of texts, as well as using those texts to inspire a wide range of writing. At HPAK, we encourage pupils to express their ideas, exchange ideas respectfully and develop a broad and rich vocabulary.
Implementation: what does English look like at HPAK?
Across all year groups, key texts are used to inspire writing. These are carefully chosen to ensure high quality vocabulary, engaging content and texts that reflect our diverse community are reflected in our key text lists. The list is spiral in nature, ensuring that texts reflect the progression of year groups, as well as some authors being revisited.
English in the Early Years Foundation Stage
The children within our early years learn through a range of play-based opportunities as well as adult led and independent activities. In Reception, there are daily whole class teaching carpet sessions that include handwriting, phonics and literacy. We use high-quality texts to support our teaching of English plan half termly units that we feel will inspire the children's curiosity, understanding and development.
In the EYFS, children will begin to recognise print in their environment and start to understand that this is one way of communicating with one another. It is vital that children understand that print carries meaning and that they are able to engage with this essential element of communication and the high importance it holds. We actively promote the importance of reading and writing which is done through stories, songs, poems, mark making in a writing in a variety of different context and for different purposes using a wide range of media. Throughout all classes there is a book corner and areas that promote active mark making and writing, as well as a phonics area, which the children are encouraged to use to support their independent learning.
English in Key Stage 1 and 2
At HPAK, for Key Stage 1 and 2, we teach English using two to three high-quality texts per term. These texts are used to inspire a range of writing, covering multiple genres. Each week, learning in English writing will cover:
- Grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling lessons, that will link directly into the writing pieces for the week. These should use direct examples from the key text or be inspired by the context of the text.
- Two extended pieces of writing will be produced each week, one 'short write' and one 'long write'. These may be two separate pieces of writing in different genres, or planned to allow for the short write to feed directly into the longer piece of writing.
Teachers will 'deep mark' once piece of writing per pupil each week to provide them with constructive feedback as well as assessing pupils' weekly progress in addition to progress over time. Lessons over time will demonstrate how pupils knowledge, skills and understanding of genre as well as composition, grammar, punctuation and spelling develop over time. Subject leaders will conduct learning walks, as well as pupil voice and book looks to monitor writing progress and the impact of teaching.
HPAK English Writing Lead - Miss A Bryson