At St Benedict’s, we are dedicated to encouraging all children to be passionate about reading and writing. We are determined that ALL children will become highly competent readers and writers by the end of their time with us. It is our intention to immerse pupils in the wonders of quality texts to instil a love for reading, a passion for discovery and a confidence to explore their imagination.
During their time at St Benedict’s, all children will be exposed to a high-quality education in English. This will not only 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.
Implementation
At St Benedict’s, the English Curriculum consists of: Writing
Carefully designed text-led learning journeys, with a clear starting point and end outcome.
Differentiated tasks which are designed to support and challenge all learners.
A carefully designed curriculum that follows the Cheshire East progression statements.
Opportunities to apply taught skills in other areas of the curriculum
Spelling
Daily Phonics sessions in Key Stage 1, following the Letters and Sounds programme
Twice weekly spelling sessions in Key Stage 2, following the Spelling shed programme
Handwriting
Cursive handwriting is to be used across the school. Handwriting is to be taught during weekly sessions in Key Stage 1. Interventions will take place in Key Stage 2 where necessary.
Reading
Children in Key Stage 1 follow a reading scheme, reading texts closely linked to their abilities.
Children in Key Stage 2 follow the same scheme, until they become ‘Free Readers’.
Guided Reading sessions take place daily from Year 1 to Year 6. These sessions follow a progression of skills, and help children to develop their:
decoding and comprehension skills. KS2 use a whole class reading approach to their sessions and implement VIPERS to aid children’s comprehension.
Reading for pleasure is promoted in all classes through the use of ERIC time, the use of class and Key stage libraries and reading events.
The use of reading records is implemented in all year groups to support reading at home.