English at Aldbrough Primary School
At Aldbrough Primary School, we believe that confidence in the use of the written and spoken word in English is a fundamental life skill and therefore the development of language and literacy skills underpins the whole of our curriculum. We aim for children to be able to verbally express themselves clearly and confidently; listen to, consider and respond to the views of others; read fluently for information and enjoyment and write confidently for a range of purposes. We encourage children to express themselves creatively and imaginatively, as they become enthusiastic readers and writers of stories, poetry and drama, as well as non-fiction and media texts.
We follow a book-based curriculum, using a wide variety of high-quality texts, from both classic and current authors, ensuring that pupils experience a wide and rich English curriculum to promote a life-long love of reading. The books provide opportunities to link many other areas of the curriculum, which enables children to become completely immersed in the book and the related topic or theme. Our core texts facilitate our broad and balanced approach to the teaching of English across the curriculum, with opportunities to consolidate and reinforce taught literacy skills through their Topic and Science work.
Phonics and Reading
To support early reading and writing, we follow a programme called “Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised Progression” as the foundation of our phonics approach. This begins in Nursery/Reception and ensures that children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school.
As a result, all our children are taught skills to be able to tackle any unfamiliar words as they read. We also model the application of the alphabetic code through phonics in shared reading and writing, both inside and outside of the phonics lesson and across the curriculum. We have a strong focus on language development for our children because we know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects. Reading has a high priority across the school and drives the school improvement plan.
From Year 2, pupils are also regularly taking part in whole class guided reading sessions which focus on the reading objectives which are specific to each year group. The sessions enable children to engage with stimulating texts, reading both extracts and full texts, reading independently, in Talk Partners and chorally as a table or class. Teachers plan activities which effectively develop children’s skills in reading comprehension.
Each class also has a Super Seven, which is a set of seven books that are read to the children over the course of the year. These books are carefully selected to cover a range of themes, genres and authors, furthermore enhancing the reading diets of the children at Aldbrough Primary School.
Reading Ambassadors
Aldbrough Primary School Reading Ambassadors are a team of passionate pupils who work hard to promote a love of reading across the school. They meet regularly with the school's English Lead to help plan exciting events such as book-themed days, fundraising activities, and competitions that inspire everyone to get reading! As part of our Reading Buddies initiative, they also spend time listening to younger children read, encouraging confidence and enjoyment in reading from an early age. Their enthusiasm helps make reading a fun and celebrated part of school life.
English Curriculum Documents
Useful resources to support your child at home
Supporting your child with phonics
The resources on the following website page will help you support your child with saying their sounds and writing their letters. There are also some useful videos so you can see how they are taught at school and feel confident about supporting their reading at home.
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