The English Curriculum Intention

Through the English Curriculum we teach pupils to speak, write, read and listen. 

To inspire a love of literature and reading.  Through that literature pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually.

Pupils should learn about:

Spoken language, reading (word reading and comprehension), writing (transcription and composition) and grammar.  Pupils will study a range of writing genres including: non-fiction, fiction and poetry.

• At St Joseph’s we understand that spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing and staff are therefore competent in using ‘Talk for Writing' techniques.

• Pupils are screened on entering EYFS for the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI).  This is a programme which has been found to improve children’s language and early literacy skills. Robust evaluations found NELI children made on average 3 months of additional progress in language.

• Oracy is an area of focus and through our weekly Learning Forum, the children are able to build on their oracy skills by recapping their learning. 
• All Classes perform a play every year where drama skills are explicitly taught and developed.
• Phonics is taught daily at KS1 through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds.
• We understand the importance of inspiring children to read for pleasure and do this by using a wide-range of literature (having an ongoing 'class novel' read aloud by the teacher daily; every class maintaining a reading corner; every class using the school library; local library visits and daily reading lessons).
• Reading lessons take place every day as a whole class based lesson focusing on the key comprehension skills.
• Teachers develop units of work linked to specific genres and use excellent books and texts as a basis for analysis, exploration and enjoyment. English lessons are taught widely through our thematic topics as we think a topic approach makes learning more engaging and relevant.
• We have developed a handwriting criteria and follow a scheme of semi-cursive handwriting called Penpals, which is taught weekly in every class, pupils can work towards achieving a special pencil, pen or fountain pen.
• We promote the use of film and digital literacy and link our English to Computing where we can.