English
English is taught through the use of The Lancashire English Scheme; with reading at the heart of our English curriculum, it is incorporated within all curriculum subjects.
The children’s reading journey begins using Monster Phonics, a whole-class Systematic Synthetic Phonics Scheme with Decodable Books for children in Reception and Key Stage 1. Monster Phonics teaches children to read by enabling them to identify the individual graphemes (letter combinations) and blend the sounds (phonemes) together to read the word. It is also used as an intervention in Key Stages 1 and 2.
In Key Stage 2, Accelerated Reader is used to organise the reading scheme into appropriate levels. This system enables the teaching staff to accurately pinpoint the most appropriate level for each child. Through the use of online quizzes and assessments, each child can monitor the progress they are making, which informs them of their next book choice. Using a positive reward system, we actively encourage our pupils to read for pleasure.
The teaching of reading is supported by the use of quality texts. This is implemented through shared, guided and independent reading activities, as well as listening to individual readers. A pleasure in reading is developed through the sharing of texts each day.
Writing is delivered across all subjects. Our curriculum provides children with a sound knowledge of writing, across a variety of genres, using teaching techniques, such as guided, shared and modelled writing. At Baines’, we have incorporated ‘Jane Considine’ strategies into our teaching, to support our pupils to develop an excellent vocabulary, by immersing them in a language-rich environment. Grammar and writing techniques are taught to enable the children to write fluently and for a variety of purposes. Through discussion, we allow our children to rehearse and revise their writing, before putting pen to paper. The teaching of spelling is in line with the National Curriculum statutory requirements for all year groups.
English