Beeches Junior School
English
CURRICULUM
Speaking and listening
Being an intrinsic part of language development, children are taught and encouraged to speak purposefully. As part of this process, children need to learn to listen actively. These skills are developed through drama, debate, poetry recitals and other speaking and listening activities across the whole curriculum.
Writing
Statement of intent:
At Beeches Junior School, we intend to create confident writers who develop stamina for writing throughout school. We aim for all of our children to be independent writers, building on a range of skills as they work through each journey of writing and for them to be able to write for a range of purposes and audiences. Throughout this journey, we ensure the children of Beeches Junior are immersed in a range of genres and have a clear understanding of purpose. Our learners will have a secure understanding of the purpose of a text type, the intended impact of writing skills/tools and the ability to carefully select vocabulary with careful attention to the desired effect on the readers’ thoughts and feelings. Our learners are challenged and encouraged to take risks and view mistakes as part of the learning process. Our learners should always set high expectations for themselves where they take pride in all aspects of learning and in everything they produce.
Beeches Junior School:
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Recognises the effect that a confident, fluent and coherent understanding of English will have on a pupil’s progress, both inside and outside of the school environment.
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Understands how a strong grounding in English will impact the future learning and development of a pupil in all aspects of their life
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Provides a balanced and broad curriculum, which encompasses writing practice, including handwriting, spelling, widening vocabulary, and writing for different styles, purposes, and audiences, as well as focussing on spoken English, reading, grammar and pronunciation.
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Ensures that all staff members are aware of planning, assessment, teaching and learning requirements for the English curriculum.
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Ensures that all pupils know how to plan, practise, evaluate their work as well as carry out an effective edit and improve process.
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Ensures that all pupils understand all elements of English, as per the national curriculum.
Spelling
At Beeches Junior School, we strongly believe that spelling is an essential skill, which allows children to communicate their understanding in all curriculum subjects. If pupils are to become effective and confident writers, they need to develop a love of language, a knowledge of words and to adopt and employ a range of spelling strategies.
Please see our updated Spelling Policy below.
Handwriting
We follow the ISHA ( Improvement in School Handwriting) scheme. Teaching handwriting effectively impacts the wider curriculum and the development of the whole child.
Each letter falls into a 'family' and those groups of letters are taught at a similar time to ensure consistency and flow. Our books have lines which are designed to support the stability and presentation of each child's work.
