English & Phonics

English Curriculum

Our English curriculum provides pupils with the necessary knowledge, skills, vocabulary, and understanding needed to be confident, articulate, and creative in their written and oral communication.

Our curriculum ensures that all pupils:

• Can read easily, fluently, and with a 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
• Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Phonics 

At Blakenall Heath Junior School we use the Read Write Inc (RWI) programme. RWI is a method of learning centred around a systematic program of teaching phonics, and we use it to support children in their reading and writing. 

When using RWI to read the children will:
* learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts
*learn to read words using Fred Talk
*read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out and show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions.

We prioritise early reading and adopt a consistent approach:

• Phonics is taught daily for one hour.
• Phonics groups are flexible and reviewed every 6 weeks (or when necessary) according to progress.
• Children start with decodable books.
• Phonics books are sent home weekly to be read alongside parents.
• Sound and blending tutoring are given when needed.

Reading

Reading is a skill we use every day. Whether a road sign or a novel, at the supermarket or the library, reading is an integral part of our lives. It is not merely a functional tool but a mechanism by which we can acquire knowledge and new ideas, gaining a greater understanding of the world around us. At Blakenall Heath Junior School, reading is given a high priority and pupils are taught a wider range of reading and comprehension skills alongside a systematic approach to teaching decoding.

Reading is taught in a variety of different ways:

* Guided Reading – this lesson takes place daily and allows the children to read with fluency, understand what they have read and answer questions about the text. At Blakenall Heath Junior School, we use VIPERS to underpin the teaching of the content domains (Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explanation, Retrieval and Summarising).

* Cross-Curricular – Pupils use and apply the reading skills they have already learned to develop their knowledge and understanding across the curriculum.

* Book Club - a daily reading session that promotes reading for pleasure where children are given the opportunity to read independently, read with peers, listen to the teacher rea and complete book reviews.

Reading is not just given a high profile in classrooms at Blakenall Heath Junior School. Around the school, you will find displays which celebrate authors, inspiring reading corners and spaces, children’s favourite books, authors, genres and recommended reads. In addition, throughout the school year, the importance of reading is enhanced through World Book Day, Book Fairs, and other reading events to further enrich our English curriculum.

Our school is also fortunate to have a library that is stocked with an extensive array of books and reading materials, which the pupils are given the opportunity to visit weekly to broaden their range of reading experiences.

If you want further information about the curriculum content your child is covering please  speak to your child's class teacher or call the school office to arrange an appointment to see the subject leader.