English

We believe that English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society.

A high-quality education in English teaches 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.

Key Stage 1 (KS1)

In KS1, pupils learn to be confident when speaking, listen carefully to others, read and write independently and use language for exploration.

Spoken language

During KS1, pupils learn to speak clearly, thinking about the needs of their listeners. They learn to listen carefully to what is being said by others and learn to use language imaginatively to express their ideas through role play and drama.

Reading

During KS1 pupils begin to develop interest and pleasure in reading as they learn to read confidently and independently. Their focus is on words and sentences and the meaning of simple texts. Pupils are encouraged to share their opinions of texts, saying whether they like them or not.

Writing

It is in KS1 that pupils begin to see the value of writing. They learn to communicate their thoughts in both narrative and non-fiction texts whilst practising their spelling and punctuation.

Phonics

Our pupils follow; Read Write Inc in Foundation and Year 1 with the Spelling elements of the new curriculum in Year 1 and Year 2.

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

In KS2, pupils learn to change the way they speak and write to suit a variety of situations, purposes and audiences. They both read and respond to texts and explore the use of language in them.

Spoken language

During KS2, pupils learn how to speak in a range of contexts paying attention to what they say and how it will be understood by their audience. They may take varied roles in group situations which will give them the opportunity to contribute in a range of ways. Pupils will also respond to others, paying attention to what has been said and the type of language used.

Reading

During KS2 pupils are encouraged to increase their ability to read challenging and lengthy texts independently. They both discuss and analyse the texts with others.

Writing

In KS2 pupils understand that writing is essential to thinking and learning, whilst being enjoyable in its own right. They learn the rules and conventions of written English and use this to express meaning in a range of different ways. Pupils work through the planning, drafting and editing process to improve their own work and also support their peers by peer-editing their work.

At St Edwards, English drives all other areas of the curriculum!