Reading lies at the heart of the English curriculum at Eastfield and we endeavour to foster a lifelong love of the written word and English language. The National Curriculum English objectives are delivered through a bespoke, carefully planned and sequenced progression of high – quality texts and written genres. By the time pupils leave us at the end of Key Stage 2, pupils have received purposeful exposure to at least twenty high quality texts, which include picture books, classics and a variety of poetry. Our genre studies are carefully crafted to ensure children are equipped with the necessary skills to be confident and competent readers, who can express their thoughts and ideas clearly and creatively through written work. Additionally, the curriculum places a strong emphasis on promoting a love of books and reading for pleasure. The English skills of reading, writing and oracy are also intertwined into the wider curriculum. At Eastfield, we take every opportunity possible to enhance the cultural capital of our learners and equip them with the knowledge and experiences needed in the wider world. Texts are chosen to introduce children to cultural diversities, develop empathy and promote curiosity. We spend time learning about a different modern or classic author each half term. Pupil led learning generously provides opportunities for children to apply their skills through activities such as scientific enquiries, debates, speeches, presentations and creative outcomes.
Writing
Our English curriculum is organised into units of work, which may be taught over several weeks or up to half a term depending on the text being studied, and the opportunities it gives for teaching certain writing genres, audiences and purposes.
The texts are carefully chosen to provide the progression in challenge, length and technical skills over each academic year and build well on prior learning. The length of our genre studies vary depending on the age and stage of the children, the skills being taught and the particular needs of the cohort. Each genre study is typically structured to include: Analysing the features specific to the genre, word level and language work, application to sentences, grammar skills specific to the writing genre and the opportunity for children to independently write and redraft their work focussing their edits on ensuring their writing meets the intended formality, audience and purpose.
Whilst our genre studies incorporate many reading skills, explicit teaching of reading comes through daily phonics sessions in EYFS and KS1 and Guided Reading sessions in KS2.