At Gunter Primary we aim to promote high standards of language and literacy, equipping our pupils with a strong command of spoken and written language as well as developing our pupil’s love of literature by widespread reading for enjoyment. Each year group will study the National Curriculum objectives outlined and links for reading and writing will remain a key focus across other subjects particularly Science, History, Geography, Art, DT and RE.

English in Key Stage 1 will focus on the ‘building blocks’ of language and literacy with a strong emphasis on speaking and reading. Year 1 will follow a fortnightly timetable where reading and writing is taught all morning every other day. KS1 will also have daily phonics sessions to develop their reading skills and opportunities will be made to change home reading books at least twice each week. From Years 2-6 there will be a daily English lesson for one hour plus a 30 minute Guided Reading session daily. The teaching of handwriting and grammar are integral to daily teaching and children will be encouraged to develop and build on these skills in all subjects.

English planning will first be taken from the National Curriculum objectives; a coverage chart of these objectives is available for each year group. Each year group will cover a range of non-fiction, fiction and poetry units to ensure that all text types are taught. Some units will be revisited throughout the year groups to build on develop writing techniques. Half-termly assessments and ongoing assessments using our assessment tool TRACE will inform the teachers planning. For each unit, a routine of shared, modelled, guided reading and writing will allow children to explore, discuss, practise and develop confident pieces of writing.

The school’s planning proforma must be used by staff and uploaded every Friday, by lunchtime. Each lesson should be made up of three parts – teaching, doing /pupil involvement and intervention (this can be done in any order). The children will be split into 5 ability groups; during the week each group will have the opportunity to work with the teacher and teaching assistant as well as completing independent work. Each day, 1 group will be teacher led – this will involve teaching new skills, modelling and assessment opportunities.  Another group will be following a teaching assistant led activity. The other three groups will complete independent work matched to objectives (individual, paired or group) including practical, games, ICT and challenges. This recorded work will show the development of the child’s skills. Work should be differentiated at least 3 ways. It is expected, for each child, that work should be recorded in books three times a week and should reflect opportunities to develop writing skills.  A final extended piece of writing for each English unit will also be completed.