English

 
 Literacy

Reading -  is really important as it is so closely linked to success at school and thus children's self-esteem, confidence and motivation. Being able to read is the key to independent learning and so it's given a high priority by all staff.  Learning to read is a complex process, but basically we need to decode the words and also understand what we are reading.  We set out to make sure all of our children are confident readers with a wide range of experience! Our aim is to develop enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers with a lifelong love of reading.

 

Phonics - At Belford Primary School we follow the systematic phonics programme published by the government called ‘Read Write inc. Children participate in a 15 – 20minute daily phonics session.  This involves not only the teaching of a new skill but also time to practice and apply the skills taught. Regular monitoring is in place to track children’s progress and ensure everyone is reaching their full potential.

 

Writing - At our school, pupils are provided with a board and balanced approach to the teaching of English across the curriculum, with opportunities to practise and consolidate taught literacy skills. Our writing plans are linked to the topics for each half term. Literacy lessons involve the teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening. We use 'The Power of Reading and 'The Literacy Tree' which ensures high quality texts are shared in order to teach writing through a series of lessons. This ensures that purposeful writing opportunites are planned across the curriculum which will engage and encourage the children with their writing. Through these well structured units of work the children are also directly taught grammar and punctuation. Each unit normally last between 1 and 3 weeks. Towards the end of the unit, the children use the skills they have been taught and apply these to their writing in extended writing sessions. We display the finished pieces of writing on our class 'writing wonder wall'.

 

Handwriting   - We help our children develop a neat legible and fluent style of handwriting.  Short, focused handwriting sessions are taught on a regular basis.  When they achieve success they feel a sense of pride, are more motivated to write and tend to be better at spelling.  We have regular handwriting competitions in school and all children have the chance to earn a pen licence once they have mastered their skills.