Brunswick Primary School, Somerhill Road, BN3 1RP

01273 711816

Brunswick Primary School

Achieving success with determination and joy

English

 

Subject Intent 

Developing thoughtful, holistic, curious, children through an enquiry based, child-centred English curriculum who have a deep sense of worth and belonging. Flexible thinkers who are equipped to embrace change and shape their future.  Using the key skills of Reading, writing and spelling to make excellent progress. Understanding the key concepts of Reading, Writing and Spelling, which underpin the English curriculum.  

Key Drivers 

Purposeful ​ 

Our children will have the vocabulary, knowledge and skills necessary to explore, develop and achieve in English.  

Aspirational ​ 

Our children will explore English through varied authentic stimuli and respond in a range of creative ways, making purposeful links to other areas of learning. ​ 

Personal ​ 

Our children will question and reflect on English and its impact on their real-life experience. ​ 

Universal ​ 

Our children will learn how English impacts locally, nationally, and globally and makes a difference to modern life. ​ 

Our English Curriculum 

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 language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. The national curriculum for English aims to ensure 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 
  • See themselves in the books they read and encounter 
  • 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, exploring ideas through drama and participating in debate 

 

Phonics  

  • There are daily phonics sessions in Reception and Year 1 following the Little Wandle Scheme. In Year 2 and 3 children revisit the Little Wandle scheme as a result of teacher assessment.  

For more information on the Little Wandle scheme please see this PDF for parents 

Click here for 'How to Say Reception Sounds 1'

Click here for 'How to Say Reception Sounds 2'

Click here for 'How to Say Year 1 Sounds'

 

Reading

  • At Brunswick, reading is at the heart of our English curriculum. Quality texts are chosen for all year groups from our reading spine and these texts inspire our English lessons. There are also daily reading sessions across the school, including phonics, reading for pleasure and whole class guided reading. See our Reading Spines here.
  • Reading is modelled frequently to set high expectations, support metacognition and show the thinking that readers and writers do.
  • Comprehension and fluency are assessed at pre-determined points and targeted intervention is given.
  • Pupils who are following the Little Wandle Scheme will bring home a reading book matched to their phonic learning. They will be familiar with this book from school and then read this with you at home.
  • Children from Reception to year 4 will bring home a reading log with their reading book to support home reading. In year 5 and 6 children will keep their own reading journals and share these in class weekly to support their reading for pleasure.

  • Click here for the home reading guidance

  • Parent tips for reading with your child

Pupils Login Page

Collins eBook Library Parents Guide

 

 

 

Writing

  • Writing is taught daily through, quality texts, vocabulary focus, a focus on grammar, sentence improvements leading to sustained pieces of writing.
  • In a half term, pupils typically produce three writing outcomes covering a range of audiences and purposes.
  • Writing is modelled frequently to set high expectations, support metacognition and show the thinking that readers and writers do.
  • Peer assessment and editing are a regular part of writing.
  • Target cards support pupils with self-assessment and to make improvements.
  • Spelling and handwriting are taught three times a week in Key Stage One and Lower Key Stage Two following a progressive scheme (Jane Considine and Letters Join).
  • Word Aware is a whole school approach to develop a rich and broad vocabulary. Word Aware is a discrete weekly session in Key stage 2 which is revisited throughout the week.

 For more specific information outlining our approach to English teaching and Learning please see our English Policy.