English

English National Curriculum Purpose of study

English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.

(National Curriculum 2014)

 

 English National Curriculum Aims

The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

 

The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

* read easily, fluently and with good understanding

* develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information

* acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

* appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

* write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences

*  use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas

* are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

(National Curriculum 2014)  

 

English at Beechcroft

As a school we work to the following aims, based on the National Curriculum and our knowledge of the context in which our pupils live and learn.

 

In READING we aim to develop fluent and accurate readers, who enjoy reading a range of books for pleasure and fully comprehend what they are reading.

 

In WRITING we aim to develop clear hand writers and accurate spellers, who take pleasure in writing for a range of different purposes as well as understanding and using grammar correctly.

 

In SPOKEN LANGUAGE we aim to develop confident speakers and active listeners, who can adapt their language choices to suit a range of situations. 

 

All three of these areas are linked closely to our curriculum driver: COMMUNICATION.

 

Communication – We believe that language is the tool that unlocks opportunities. We will provide a language rich environment, that will both inspire and embed a rich vocabulary so that there is access for all. Building on this, children will speak with clarity, confidence and eloquence, connecting the words they know (vocabulary) with what they know (knowledge). Through collaboration, children will rehearse and strengthen their use of language, to become effective communicators. We know that having a rich vocabulary and being able to read securely offer a gateway to life-long success. Our children will understand that they can expand and deepen their language through reading: ‘reading is important, because if you can read you can learn anything and everything about anything.’ (Tomie dePaola) Children will capture their deepening vocabulary, knowledge and learning through recording in their books.