English

English

English

English

At St Paul and St Timothy’s Catholic Infant School, we believe that understanding and using language is critical in supporting children to become independent and confident young people. We aim to deliver a high-quality English curriculum that gives children the best possible opportunities to become confident and successful readers and writers, with a deep love and understanding of the English language. 

 

Our overarching aims for English are for pupils to; 

 

  • read easily, and fluently and show good understanding drawn from linguistic knowledge and knowledge of the world 
  • develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information  
  • acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language  
  • write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences  
  • use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain their understanding and ideas using a growing command of Standard English 
  • are confident in the arts of speaking and listening, using language to respond, articulate, justify, question and remedy their misconceptions through participation in role-play/improvisation, discussion, debate and performance. 

As a school, we have chosen to use Monster Phonics, Ready, Steady, Write and Debbie Hepplewhite Handwriting to support our English teaching and learning in school. Please click on the links below to find more information about each of our schemes. 

 

www.monsterphonics.com 

https://debbiehepplewhitehandwriting.com/ 

https://www.literacycounts.co.uk/ready-steady-write 

 

SPOKEN LANGUAGE 

The children are given daily opportunities to practise their language skills. 

They have opportunities to participate in: 

  • Class discussions 
  • Debates 
  • Performances/plays 
  • Assemblies 
  • Role plays 
  • Small Group Work 

 

Spoken Language Progression Map

READING 

The children have daily Reading lessons through Monster Phonics, Guided Reading and Ready, Steady, Write sessions. 

They have opportunities to participate in: 

  • Shared Reading – Reading a text as part of a large group where expression, fluency and comprehension are modelled and shared. 
  • Guided Reading – Reading a book closely linked to their phonic knowledge in a small group, supported by the teacher. 
  • Independent Reading – Reading a self-chosen book from the class library. 
  • Home Reading – Their Guided Reading book is sent home to practise with grown-ups outside of the school environment. 

 

Our Ready, Steady, Write sessions are all based around a core text for each half-term. Each text is a high-quality text exposing the children to challenging structures and vocabulary. Please click below to see an overview of the books we use during our Ready, Steady, Write sessions. 

 

Whole School Book Overview

 

SPST Reading Progression Map

WRITING 

The children are given daily writing opportunities during Monster Phonics, Ready, Steady, and Write sessions. They are also given additional opportunities to practise their writing skills during Handwriting, spelling practice, RE and other foundation subjects. 

They have opportunities to participate in and practise: 

  • Shared Writing – Writing is completed as a group and thought processes and skills are modelled. 
  • Guided Writing – Writing is completed as a small group and is supported by a teacher. 
  • Independent Writing  
  • Handwriting sessions 
  • Spelling sessions 

 

Writing Progression Map

English Links