English

Mastery of language through the expression of thoughts, beliefs, concepts and feelings helps communication and confidence. The English curriculum follows the National Curriculum in England and aims to ensure that all children are taught the necessary skills to use English effectively, confidently and accurately to the best of their ability.

Children are encouraged to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of contexts, to different audiences and for the purposes of communication, creativity and enjoyment. From the beginning, children have the chance to express their thoughts and ideas in speech, drama and writing.

Our English curriculum has been designed to ensure that students will acquire essential skills in:

• Speaking and listening
• Writing, including spelling and handwriting
• Reading

In our delivery of English at GES Primary, we use a whole-school approach based on The Literary Curriculum. This is a thematic approach to the teaching of English with quality children’s literature at its core. The children will have the opportunity to read many different texts written by a variety of significant authors. The half-termly book-based themes encompass, where possible, the Humanities and Science curricula. Learning based on these themes also extends to other subjects such as French, Art and Drama and Dance, in order to create a joined-up, engaging and relevant curriculum for the children. The teaching of Grammar is firmly embedded in the daily teaching of English where children are taught to use and apply grammar rules within a meaningful context.

At GES, we are passionate about embedding a real love of books in our children. Through giving children opportunities to read a wide range of literature; for both enjoyment and purpose,  bringing books to life through drama and role play, beginning new books and stories with an engaging and thought provoking ‘hook’ children can become confident life-long readers.

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, phonics is taught following the Letters and Sounds scheme.  Different spelling patterns and key words are introduced weekly and the children are given opportunities to investigate and explore these words, being challenged to apply these spelling patterns and words within their independent writing.

In Key Stage 2, spelling is taught throughout the week during English lessons and is linked to the text being studied or other areas of the curriculum. Children carry out open-ended investigations and have opportunities to practise and apply the spelling patterns and words within a meaningful and purposeful context.

In Years 4 to 6, children have online access to First News, a high-quality children’s newspaper, and the First News iHub on which they can complete puzzles, quizzes and comprehensions to deepen their general and current affairs knowledge.