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English: Phonics, Reading and Writing

At St. Joseph's, we believe that being able to read and write are vital life skills that open the door to learning. We passionately believe in helping children to develop not only the technical skills of reading and writing, but also in creating a true love for literature and the different genres of writing.

Poetry is built into our whole English curriculum through both reading and writing. Each half-term starts with a sequence of teaching around poetry to develop the children's language for the topic that they will be learning. Our poetry progression document below outlines how poetry progresses from nursery to the end of KS1.

The Purpose of English at St Joseph’s infant school

English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have the chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially plays a key role in such development. Reading also enable pupils both to acquire knowledge and build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.

Aims

At St Joseph infant School and Nursery, we are dedicated to developing each child’s abilities within an integrated programme of speaking and listening, reading and writing. Children will be given opportunities to interrelate the requirements of the English curriculum within a broad and balanced approach to the teaching of English across the curriculum, with opportunities to consolidate and practice taught literacy skills.

We strive for all children to become competent readers and writers. By the end of Key Stage one, we aim for a child to be able to:

  • 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;
  • Begin to appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage;
  • Write clearly and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of audiences;
  • To explain clearly their understanding and ideas & be confident in skills relating to speaking and listening.