The National Literacy Strategy was introduced in September 1998 and because of its time allocation is known as the Literacy Hour. English includes Speaking and Listening and Reading and Writing.
Talking is fundamental to a pupil’s learning. Pupils are encouraged and helped to talk clearly, confidently and with expression in order to communicate ideas and feelings. Similarly, and just as importantly, is the need to listen to others and respond appropriately. All children are provided with opportunities in all areas of the curriculum to develop skills in speaking and listening.
One of the greatest gifts we can give a child is the ability to read. We believe that reading should be an enjoyable activity, and our approach to reading is based on this. At Key Stage 1 there is great emphasis on the teaching of reading. At Key Stage 2 we extend and develop each child’s reading skills. We aim to develop a love of reading and therefore encourage our pupils to take books home and share them with you. Children need to be able to read with understanding, for pleasure and for information. Pupils’ reading is structured in Key Stage 1 and pupils are helped and guided towards suitable reading material. As the pupils go through the school they are given more responsibility for their choice in reading. When you child starts at this school he/she is given a book bag and reading record. We expect parents to listen to their child read and mark comments in his/her reading record.
Pupils are helped to develop the ability to express their thoughts, ideas and communication skills through the written word. Every attempt is made to ensure that pupils develop a command of basic English which includes punctuation, spelling, grammar and correct letter formation. We believe it is important that children see their work as having purpose and that they regard themselves as authors of their work. Opportunities are provided for pupils to develop the necessary writing skills required for different purposes and audiences. The link between reading and writing is strongly emphasised.