English

At Eastergate CE Primary School we recognise the importance of pupils developing their use of speaking and listening skills to support their learning and the development of reading and writing as they journey through school. Skills in speaking, reading and writing enable pupils to express their thoughts and ideas, explore and learn new concepts and to be creative.

Our overarching aim for English is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word.

We have also decided to build our curriculum around the use of high quality texts to instil in all children a love of reading and to expose them to rich and extended vocabulary. Our texts are chosen to expose children to a range of literature, to encourage discussion on a wide range of ideas and themes that promote diversity and includion, and to develop the cultural capital that children need to succeed in life. We also have a focus on broadening vocabulary alongside creating a strong culture of reading for pleasure. Vocabulary development is also learned incidentally through wider and challenging reading.

English provides the foundations for learning in other areas of the curriculum as well as the requisite skills to be successful, independent and motivated learners in readiness for their next stage of education.

When children join the school in the reception class we introduce them to the Read, Write, Inc phonics programme to develop their reading and writing. This is a clearly structured programme which ensure that children confidently learn to decode words, develop their fluency in reading and learn to write. As pupils progress through the school we ensure that their fluency and speed of reading continues to develop as they meet and increasing range of texts. We introduce the Accelerated Reader programme to help pupils to make progress by encouraging their independent reading.

Click on the links and PDFs below to learn more about our approach to teaching phonics, reading, spelling and writing at Eastergate CE Primary School and how parents and carers can support their children at home.

Read Write Inc, guide for parents Click here

Accelerated Reader, guide for parents Click here