Spoken Language

Spoken language is developed across the whole curriculum. Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing. Opportunities for oracy are planned to develop spoken language and listening skills such asking and answering questions, using the conventions for discussion and debate as well as improvising and devising drama. Each classroom has key vocabulary displayed and children are encouraged to use these when asking and answering questions or within class discussions.

Reading

Intent

At Waterfield Primary School, we have a shared understanding of the important role reading plays in the lives of our pupils and how it can impact on all other areas of the curriculum. We believe that reading opens the world to pupils, allowing them to develop a sense of curiosity and imagination. It is, therefore, our aim that, by the end of their primary education, all pupils at Waterfield Primary School read fluently and with confidence, in all subjects and develop a lifelong love for reading.

Implementation

Reading underpins the whole curriculum and is embedded throughout both English lessons and through cross-curricular teaching. We want every child to gain the reading skills they need to be able to read independently and for enjoyment.

Pupils start their reading journey as soon as they start school through daily class reading sessions, where staff and children share and enjoy a wide range of high quality texts as a class.

At Waterfield, we continually promote a high standard of reading:

  • We place reading and high-quality texts at the centre of the curriculum
  • We recognise the importance of early reading and in the Early Years Department reading is an important feature inside and outside the classroom
  • We use Song of Sounds, a progressive systematic phonics scheme, to teach the skill of reading from day one. See our Phonics page
  • Books in early reading are matched to the child’s ability level and are fully decodable
  • We recognise that being able to read well is a key life skill for children, whatever their background
  • We believe that every child can learn to read with the right teaching and support.
  • We build time for all children to read independently, read aloud and be read to during the school day
  • We have a coherent whole-school strategy for promoting reading for pleasure.
  • We use ‘Reading Vipers’ to ensure that comprehension skills are taught and practised rigorously
  • We spend money and time to support reading, including buying books and developing the school environment to support reading
  • We devote time to training staff so they are equipped to support children’s development and enjoyment of reading
  • We use Accelerated Reader as a scheme to motivate and promote independence in reading
  • We are here to support parents to ensure the culture of reading that the school has developed extends into the home
  • Reading for pleasure is of the utmost importance and time is set aside in the school day to ensure this happens on a regular basis. 

Can we add the reading Eggs, VIPERS and AR page links under here – so reading is all in one place?

Writing

Intent

At Waterfield Primary School, we recognise that oracy underpins the development of reading and writing.  Pupils continually develop confidence and competence in spoken language and listening skills through English lessons, assemblies and other opportunities across the curriculum.

Through our bespoke curriculum, opportunities for writing are broad and varied.  Our reading spine encourages curiosity and provides an excellent stimulus to discuss and write from.  It is our aim that all pupils at Waterfield Primary School use spoken language with confidence, in all subjects and transfer this skill into their written work. Encouraging a love and confidence in writing is at the forefront of our curriculum.

We aim for pupils to:

  • Develop effective composition skills by articulating, communicating and organising ideas.
  • Write down ideas fluently.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of audience and purpose.
  • Broaden their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar.
  • Develop fluent, legible and eventually speedy handwriting.

Implementation

Pupils are taught to develop their competence in the two dimensions of transcription and composition. Opportunities to develop pupil’s literacy skills are capitalised upon in all areas of the curriculum and this is promoted through our Vehicles for Learning.

Writing skills are developed not only in English lessons, but across the curriculum also; the same high standard of writing is expected from the children, regardless of the subject area.

As with reading, writing for pleasure and enjoyment are encouraged.  Opportunities for creative writing should be spontaneous and accessible to children in both English lessons and elsewhere in the timetable.  For EYFS, there are opportunities to write freely, through their structured play, both inside and outside.

Spelling & Grammar

Activities for teaching spelling are varied and engaging and are developed through use of Spelling Shed. The Spelling Shed Programme is designed to provide comprehensive yet accessible progression in the teaching of spelling. The focus of the programme is on the teaching of spelling, which embraces knowledge of spelling conventions – patterns and rules; but integral to the teaching is the opportunity to promote the learning of spellings, including statutory words, common exceptions and personal spellings.

Grammar coverage is incorporated into exciting lessons which help the children to control their speaking and writing. Pupils are taught to use the correct grammatical terms, enabling them to discuss their reading and writing with accuracy and confidence.
 

Back to the top