English

In our schools our teaching and learning in English is underpinned by our Vision and Values and our aspiration that every learner 'may have life, and have it to the full' - John 10:10

We grow articulate children who have high standards of language and literacy with a strong command of the vocabulary associated with spoken and written language, who develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. 

We develop readers who can read easily, fluently and with good understanding; children who read for both pleasure and information, who appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage. We teach a complete systematic synthetic phonics programme using Read Write Inc. Phonics which is fully matched to the National Curriculum and new EYFS Framework.  Our high quality phonics teaching secures the crucial skills of word recognition that, once mastered, enable children to read fluently and automatically thus freeing them to concentrate on the meaning of the text.

As writers, our children can write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences, using discussion in order to learn. Our children can elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas. We use stories to support vocabulary acquisition and a range of new language.  This supports grammatical understanding and provides skills they can draw on when they read and write.

As communicators, our children are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in lively debate. We develop spoken language through high quality talk and a language rich environment.  This allows them to articulate understanding, develop knowledge and build the vocabulary needed to support their learning.

At our schools in St Hilda's Moorland Federation, we follow the National Curriculum for England.

In our schools this is organised into our Long Term Plan over a 2 year rolling programme in Key Stage 1 and a 4 year rolling programme in Key Stage 2.  This ensures that, in our mixed age classes, children are able to access a broad and balanced English curriculum whilst building their knowledge and understanding through a spiral curriculum approach.