Our English policy is in line with the British National Literacy Strategy and we have at least one hour of language work every day. Most of our children speak English as a second language so we try to emphasize their speaking and listening skills.

We present children with a wide variety of experience and opportunities to speak English, and every child is involved in performing class assemblies. Each Primary block has a large activities room, which can be used for drama throughout the year.

Infant English

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (Reception to Year 2)

In the Infant Department there is a lot of emphasis on teaching English language through phonics. The pupils are encouraged to use their phonic skills to word build and try out spelling words while writing stories.

The Infant classes have weekly spelling tests based on key words from the reading schemes, phonic sounds and the high frequency words that they need to know.

The reading schemes that we use are Reading Ginn 360 and Oxford Reading Tree, supplemented by New Way readers and Link-Up. These are used alongside the various comprehension, phonic and literacy materials that go with these schemes.

Parents are very involved and like to help with homework. This may consist of listening to reading, help with learning spellings and promoting spoken English in the home. There is also some additional support in school for children who find it difficult to keep up with work in the class.

Junior English

Key Stage 2 - Years 3 to 6

Our English policy is in line with the National Literacy Strategy in the UK. The constraints of our timetable do not allow us to operate the Literacy Hour exactly as prescribed but we do follow the recommendations and have at least one hour of language work every day.

Most of our children speak English as a second language so we try to emphasize their speaking and listening skills. Every child is involved in performing their class assemblies. Each Primary block has a large Primary activities room, which can be used for drama throughout the year.

We use the Oxford reading Tree and GINN reading schemes and these are supplemented by various other books including the children's own choices from the Primary library. Children are encouraged to read at home and at school every day. We maintain contact with parents by writing comments in each child's blue book, which is their reading record. We encourage the parents to read with their children, and ask questions about the books. Each year we hold a book week which focuses on a theme. Every child from Reception to Year 10 participates in book week.

We teach the children a wide variety of writing styles for different audiences and purposes. Our major text is Letts KS2 Literacy, which gives us a focus for writing, grammar and punctuation. Letts is supplemented by other texts such as Comprehension Plus, Grammar Plus, Primary Writing and many others. Grammar and punctuation are taught through the Literacy resources, making the rules relevant to the texts that have been recently read. Handwriting is practised regularly.

At the beginning of each year a diagnostic spelling test is given and children are grouped according to their stage of spelling development. This is to ensure that they receive explicit instruction at their level. The grouping are flexible so that children can advance throughout the year.

Reading records are cumulative and go with the children to each new class. Children read at their level and proceed through the levels at their own rate. An oral reading sample is done each year which goes into the children's writing portfolio. The writing portfolio track the development of the children's writing skills. Throughout the year, each child gathers six pieces of original writing. A checklist is taken in September and May to show children and parents how the children have progressed during the year. The diagnostic spelling test is also included in the portfolio. At the end of each term, tests are set by the teachers in each year group. The tests are based on the SAT format. At the end of the year, children are given levels in reading, spelling and writing. All children in Year 2 and Year 6 take part in the UK National SAT tests.