English

We believe children’s understanding and use of language is fundamental to the communication of meaning. It needs to be stimulated and extended in order to promote learning. Language development and intellectual development are inter-linked: as children develop the skills of communication they acquire the means to clarify ideas, shape experiences and to express feelings and emotions with increasing complexity. ‘Language fixes thought’ - Vigotsky

The role of language is therefore central to, and underpins, the whole curriculum.

Here, children are encouraged to build upon the language experiences they bring to school, through a range of opportunities and resources that offer appropriate challenges to develop them as active participants in their own learning.

Our children develop abilities to communicate effectively in speech and writing, listen with understanding, and become enthusiastic, responsive and knowledgeable readers

Through an exciting range of motivating experiences, children attain the highest standards. They have access to models of excellence and variety in the texts we use, so that they learn to recognise and experience the power of language and the closeness of the links between thinking, speaking, reading and writing (and the necessity for clarity and precision in all three).

In Years 3 and 4, children continue to be taught in mixed ability form groups and then in Years 5 and 6 they are set. We aim to match activities to challenge and build confidence; not frustrate. An eclectic range of methods is used, ranging from whole class directed teaching, to group and individualised work. Our children work collaboratively and independently, depending on the learning activity.

The English Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for English and we have assimilated much of the content of the National Literacy Strategy Framework into our planning. This is supplemented with termly book studies and opportunities for extended writing in all years. There is a strong emphasis on skills, development of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Our children benefit from an excellent library and much emphasis is placed on reading widely.

Children participate in the English Speaking Board Examinations and the Isle of Wight Festival of Music, Speaking and Drama. We organise theatre trips and our children enjoy regular visits from poets, authors, storytellers and drama groups.