English at Sowerby
Intent
Sowerby Primary Academy’s English curriculum aims to foster a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the English language, encompassing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. We have a rich, progressive English curriculum that provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion. Our curriculum closely follows the aims of the National Curriculum for English to enable all children to become courageous learners who:
- 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
- be competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.
Implementation
These aims are embedded across our English lessons, but also made cross-curricular to apply to the wider curriculum, making learning more meaningful and engaging. We will provide the means for children to develop a secure knowledge base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum.
Discrete English lessons happen daily for all children. Skills in spelling, punctuation and grammar may be taught separately but also in both reading and writing elements of a wider lesson. Skills acquired in English lessons are applied to other subjects when recording or sharing ideas. Cross curricular links such as writing a diary of Mary Seacole or Florence Nightingale in History or a persuasive argument in PSHE. or a debate around Global Warming in science. Our children enjoy reading and writing for a variety of contexts.
Impact
Rigorous assessment and review ensure that we are able to provide targeted support so that all children experience success in English; we believe that a secure basis in English skills is crucial to a high quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society.
