At St Augustine’s Primary School we believe English should be exciting, engaging and challenging. It is our intention when teaching the English curriculum that our pupils acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to become lifelong learners and linguists. We strive to ensure that all our pupils receive a well-rounded learning experience when reading, writing, speaking and listening which will equip them with the fundamental tools to achieve in school and beyond. We aim 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 through our text-led English curriculum.
The English Curriculum is divided into three main areas of development:
1. Spoken Language
2. Reading
3. Writing
Communication, Language and Literacy in the Early Years
When children first enter the school in the Foundation Stage, we build on their literacy knowledge from home and pre-school / nursery, and daily learning takes place within an integrated EYFS curriculum. There are a wealth of writing and reading opportunities across the classroom, outside areas and throughout the whole curriculum. Children are taught the 44 phonemes of the English language and to blend these together to read new words, and segment them to spell. Development of gross and fine motor control is encouraged through play-based activities including 'dough-gym', using tweezers, writing with water / in cornflour / on large chalkboards etc. Reading and writing is encouraged in many ways, including through the roleplay area, labelling designs for construction models, reading and writing messages to class members. We aim to instil confidence and independence in early literacy skills that will ensure children attain the Early Learning Goals (expected at the end of the Reception year) and prepare the children well for Key Stage One.
Spoken Language
This area of the curriculum focuses on children’s ability to communicate well. Speaking & listening is not taught explicitly as this permeates through every element of children’s school life as we feel this is an essential life skill. This aspect of literacy includes the development of speaking and listening as well as drama and group work.
Please see the sub-folders to find out more about Reading and Writing at St Augustine's.
Below, you will find the National Curriculum expectations for each year group and also reading/spelling expectations.