At St Mark's our aim is for all children to leave us with the right tools and skills ready to start their new phase of learning in secondary school. In addition, we endeavour to instil a love of reading and writing in our children which will stay with them through all phases of their lives. We do this by following the National Curriculum (NC) for English – speaking and listening, reading and writing - through a creative approach which is underpinned by experiences and purpose. 

For skills progression in reading and writing from Y3 – Y6 we follow the National Curriculum. Being a Junior School, we recognise the importance of building on the foundations built through infant school. Therefore, our progression grids include the skills taught in KS1 as well. 

We teach writing skills as specified by the National Curriculum and follow the guidelines for age related content. Our outcomes for writing are purpose-led, linked to themes and are framed by four key principles: to entertain, to inform, to discuss and to persuade, and spelling and grammar skills are threaded through following our own year group-specific programmes of study.

The aims of teaching English, as outlined in the national curriculum are to ensure that all pupils:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• 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
• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
• 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 clearly their understanding and ideas
• are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Inclusion in English

At our school, we believe that every child is a reader and writer. All pupils take part in the same English lessons and are supported to achieve success through high expectations and carefully planned adaptations. Teachers identify potential barriers to reading and writing and provide support through clear modelling, discussion, visual prompts, vocabulary support and structured scaffolds.

Children are encouraged to talk through their ideas before writing and are given a range of ways to show their understanding, including technology and alternative recording methods where appropriate. Resources are accessible to everyone, promoting independence and reducing stigma. As confidence grows, support is gradually reduced so that pupils become increasingly independent writers. Our inclusive approach ensures that all children feel valued, develop confidence and make progress from their individual starting points.

Reading is inclusive at St Mark's as all children are supported to become confident, successful readers. Staff model fluent reading, explicitly teach vocabulary and comprehension skills, and provide opportunities for discussion and reading aloud. A range of texts, visual supports and adaptive resources help pupils access learning. Teachers carefully assess individual needs and provide targeted support where needed, while encouraging independence and a love of reading. Through high-quality teaching and meaningful reading experiences, every child is enabled to engage with, understand and enjoy books.

Top Tips for Parents...

• Read to your children
• Listen to them read and ask them questions about what they have read
• Let them read for pleasure - comics, magazines, newspapers
• Let them read to younger brothers and sisters
• Enjoy books together
• Play games with spelling words e.g. hangman, word searches
• Handwriting practice using weekly spelling lists