English

Reading and Writing

We use Read Write Inc. Phonics which is a complete literacy programme for 3 to 6 year olds that are learning to read and write.  The programme uses synthetic phonics to teach reading and it covers all of the National Curriculum requirements for literacy and language. 

This approach:

• Gets children decoding and comprehending quickly.  The special 'three reads' approach ensures that all children gain accuracy, fluency and a good understanding of the text.
• Ensures children read storybooks and non-fiction books matched to their growing phonic knowledge.
• Leaves no child behind.   Initial and on-going assessment to track every child's progress.
• Prevents downtime.  Direct teaching followed by partner practice means that every child participates in the whole lesson.

We begin using Read Write Inc. when our pupils are in nursery and they start by learning the first 30 sounds in short, daily sessions.  When pupils move into reception year, they begin to read storybooks and non-fiction books that are closely matched to their developing phonic knowledge.  The sessions are lively and interactive and our pupils make rapid progress.  They begin to write confidently and learn to spell using sounds that they know.  Their progress is assessed at the end of every half term and they are grouped according to the level they are working at.  This ensures that teaching is always focused precisely on what pupils need and the pace of learning is fast.  If we are ever concerned about a child's progress in reading, we provide 1:1 intervention for 15 minutes a day to address this and accelerate their progress.  These sessions are delivered by highly skilled support staff who have received specific Read Write Inc. 1:1 intervention training.

Once our children have completed the RWI Phonics and Comprehension programmes, our English lessons are taught using the CUSP Reading and Writing curriculum. CUSP Reading and Writing is an evidence informed, carefully sequenced English curriculum, which maps core content in reading and writing across the primary journey, ensuring that learning is taught and revisited over time so that pupils commit their understanding to the long-term memory. At Orgill we strive for conceptual fluency. We want pupils who work through the curriculum journey of CUSP to develop both procedural and conceptual fluency. In CUSP writing, for example, we have reduced the number of text types that each year group studies in order to move the emphasis away from the memorisation of text conventions and focus on developing procedural and conceptual fluency about the mechanics and processes of writing as a craft. We also have a whole school reading spine, which also complements units in our wider curriculum. Our aim is to immerse children in rich literature to help develop and widen their vocabulary and inference skills. Our Curriculum also has explicit vocabulary instruction which is helping to shape the structure and language provision throughout our curriculum. Ultimately, we want to raise confidence, enthusiasm and standards in reading and writing across the curriculum so that all children are able to be successful and flourish. 

This approach:

• Gives every child a deep understanding of what they read.  Complete texts from leading authors are introduced using the special 'three reads' approach.
• Fully prepares every child for writing.  The teacher models planning, drafting and revising texts.  Children mirror this process.
• Teaches grammar in context.  This enables children to apply grammar concepts to their own writing.
• Supports the grammar and punctuation aspects of the Key Stage 1 and 2 statutory assessments.  It includes practice tests to build children's confidence.
• Creates articulate speakers.  Children learn how to debate and present.

We use an online resource called MyBookBlog in all classes from Year 2 to Year 6 to promote and develop children’s love of reading and to encourage them to read more widely for pleasure.

MyBookBlog is designed to enhance children’s journeys through well-loved stories.  It supports children to choose fantastic books, available from our school library and bookshops, using blurbs, trailers, reviews and ratings from other children.  Our children can then read their chosen book at home or at school and complete the activities on MyBookBlog.

Spelling

Read Write Inc. Spelling is a robust, fast-paced, systemmatic spelling programme for pupils from Year 2 to Year 6.  Pupils start the programme when they have completed Read Write Inc. Phonics and it runs alongside their English lessons.  They are taught in differentiated groups and have 15 minute sessions four days a week.  The sessions are highly interactive with pupils completing partner work as well as carrying out independent activities aimed at consolidating their understanding.  The programme uses an online resource for whole class teaching.  Three animated alien characters from the Spelling Planet introduce and explain the spelling focus for the lesson and pupils complete follow up activities in their own workbook. 

Handwriting

Handwriting is taught in separate sessions every day.