English

Aims

The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

Our aim is that all pupils:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding
•  develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
•  appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
•  write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
•  use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
•  are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Teaching and Learning

Please see the English policy for the distinct way St. John’s ensures we deliver a creative and balanced curriculum, that will give them the English skills in reading, writing and speaking and listening, needed in all their learning.  

Phonics

We use the Government's agreed phonics programme called 'Letters and Sounds.'  Letters and Sounds is designed to help teachers teach children how the alphabet works for reading and spelling by: fostering children’s speaking and listening skills as valuable in their own right and as preparatory to learning phonic knowledge and skills; teaching high quality phonic work at the point they judge children should begin the programme. For most children, this will be by the age of five with the intention of equipping them with the phonic knowledge and skills they need to become fluent readers by the age of seven.