English

Harris Primary Academy Beckenham Green

English Summary of Intent

English Lessons (including SPAG)

Intent: introduction, vision and philosophy

The purpose of this document is to clarify the how, why and what of English teaching at Harris Primary Academy Beckenham Green.  This is to be used by staff to clarify expectations, highlight the resources that we have access to, and to ensure that a high-quality English curriculum is being taught to all pupils in our academy.  At Beckenham Green, we want to develop our pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary so that they can speak clearly, convey their ideas fluently and confidently and to ask questions.  We are passionate that our pupils develop a love of reading and can take part in high-quality discussions about a range of texts; the texts that we have chosen for each class have been pitched at a higher level than their age group.  At Beckenham Green, we encourage pupils to express their ideas, exchange ideas respectfully and develop more sophisticated vocabulary. 

Implementation: what does English look like at HPABG?

English in the Early Years Foundation Stage

The children within our early years learn through a range of play-based opportunities as well as adult led and independent activities.  In Reception, there are daily whole class teaching carpet sessions that include handwriting, phonics and literacy.  We use high-quality texts to support our teaching of English plan half termly units that we feel will inspire the children's curiosity, understanding and development.

In the EYFS, children will begin to recognise print in their environment and start to understand that this is one way of communicating with one another. It is vital that children understand that print carries meaning and that they are able to engage with this essential element of communication and the high importance it holds. We actively promote the importance of reading and writing which is done through stories, songs, poems, mark making in a writing in a variety of different context and for different purposes using a wide range of media.  Throughout all classes there is a book corner and areas that promote active mark making and writing, as well as a phonics area, which the children are encouraged to use to support their independent learning.

English in Key Stage 1 and 2

At Beckenham Green, for Key Stage 1 and 2, we teach English using one high-quality text per half term.  Each half term, three genres are taught, each over two week/ten lessons.

Lesson 1 - introduce a model text with a focus on vocabulary, features of a genre and grammar / speaking and listening activity 

Lesson 2 - grammar focus

Lesson 3 - features of a genre / planning

Lesson 4 - extended piece of writing 

Lesson 5 - editing through re-writing and publishing 

Lesson 6 - grammar focus

Lesson 7 - planning 

Lesson 8 - extended piece of writing 

Lesson 9 - publish writing in 'My Writing Journey' book which is sent home for parents to write a comment in 

Lesson 10 - cold write of next genre 

The features of each genre are given to the teacher as the minimum expectation that must be taught for that year group.  In addition to this, the grammar focus is given (as identified from our coverage overview).  A number of strategies are used to support this including but not limited to: modelled, guided and shared writing, discussion, use of media, peer-editing, drama. Spelling is taught every day using Ruth Miskin’s ‘Read Write Inc.’ spelling programme.

When planning, teachers will have access to a range of different resources and areas to support.  Teachers will follow the given genres and grammar focus to ensure that coverage of the national curriculum and progression between each year group is secure.  CPD is delivered through weekly staff meetings, INSET days and specific CPD sessions.

Impact

The sequence of learning recorded in children’s books highlights what the children have learnt, remembered and are able to apply and use independently.

 

Overall English Impact at Beckenham Green

At Beckenham Green children have the opportunity to record their learning in a variety of ways, which is recorded within their English/reading books.  Evidence of the learning is dependent on the lesson outcome, year group and the knowledge and skills being developed.  This can be in the form of: extended writing, written exercises and pupil voice.

Subject leaders will conduct learning walks and pupil interviews to measure the impact of our teaching, based on how much children can remember and how this has been applied in a number of outcomes.

Subject leaders will meet with their counterparts from our other cluster schools half termly and will moderate the planning, work and monitoring outcomes from their setting to ensure that standards are exceeding the expectations of the National Curriculum.