What is English at Westglade?

English is a core subject within the National Curriculum. We aim for our children to become readers, authors and knowledge gatherers throughout their time at Westglade. The school aim is to promote a long-term love of reading and provide opportunities for children to become immersed in a range of texts. Our desire is that children become enthusiastic and critical readers and to understand how language works. In writing, we encourage children to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively. We aim for children to grow, discover and blossom through their comprehensive understanding of the English curriculum.

At Westglade we are keen to promote a love of reading and writing as well as ensuring our children reach the best possible outcomes. We teach English not only during Read, Write Inc., Shared Reading and writing sessions but throughout the curriculum where children are provided with opportunities to apply their literacy skills. 

Reading

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children follow the Read, Write Inc. programme to develop their phonic knowledge and build the skills required to be able to read fluently. In addition to this, they share and discuss a range of books and non fiction texts as part of their topics to deepen their understanding of what they are reading as well as sparking interesting in their curriculum topics. 

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children are taught Shared Reading first thing in the morning. In these sessions, children are faced with challenging and exciting texts (linked to their topics where possible) and are taught the skills required to fully understand and comprehend a text. They discuss vocabulary, finding answers using the text and providing evidence to support their answers. 

Writing

Writing at Westglade is taught across two weeks in KS2 and one week in KS2 where children are immersed in a text type (either fiction or non fiction) by looking at key features, vocabulary and example texts. In EYFS and KS1, children work up to an extended write on a weekly basis which is then marked and assessed (in Y1 and Y2). In Year 3 and 4, children work on a two-week cycle. The focus on the same text type for two weeks, practising the skills on the first week, and having the opportunity to refine them in the second week. They complete an extended piece of writing in their English books in week 1, and in week two, they complete an extended piece of writing in their Writing Portfolios. In Year 5 and 6, children work on a two-week cycle, looking at the same text type and have the opportunity to refine their skills. They also draft their writing, edit it and then write up their final piece in their Writing Portfolios. All pieces of writing in the portfolios is assessed using our tracking grids. 

How is English progressive?

At Westglade, we follow the National Curriculum and incorporate the Jane Considine method of teaching writing. The grammar objectives across the National Curriculum have been mapped out to ensure progression across and within the year groups. Please see the plan below.