English
Writing:
Our curriculum endeavours to develop the essential characteristics necessary to become a successful writer.
These are:
- The ability to write fluently and with interesting detail on a number of topics throughout the curriculum
- A vivid imagination which makes readers engage with and enjoy their writing
- A highly developed vocabulary and an excellent knowledge of writing techniques to extend details or description
- Well-organised and structured writing, which includes a variety of sentence structures.
- Excellent transcription skills that ensure writing is well presented and punctuated, spelt correctly and neat.
- A love of writing and an appreciation of its educational, cultural and entertainment values.
Writing has three major threshold concepts, which are composition, transcription and analysis and presentation. These are subdivided into specific concepts.
Composition
- Write up with purpose- This concept involves understanding the purposes of a piece of writing.
- Use of imagination- Developing an appreciation of how best to convey ideas through description
- Organise writing appropriately- Developing an appreciation of how best to convey ideas through description
- Use of paragraph- This involves understanding how to group ideas so as to guide the reader
- Use sentences appropriately- Using different types of sentences appropriately for both clarity and for effect
Transcription
- Present neatly- Developing an understanding of handwriting and clear presentation
- Spell correctly-Understanding the need for accuracy
- Punctuate accurately- This involves understanding that punctuation adds clarity to writing.
Analysis and Presentation
- Analyse writing- This involves understanding how grammatical choices give effect and meaning to writing.
- Present writing- This involves learning to reflect upon writing and reading it aloud to others
These are all supported by Milestones for progress with a range of descriptors which are used by both teachers and pupils.
Reading
Our essential characteristics for reading are:
- Excellent phonic knowledge and skills. We use Read, Write Incto teach phonics in EYFS and KS1 and follow this with the RWI Fresh Start as an intervention in KS2
- Fluency and accuracy in reading across a wide range of contexts throughout the curriculum. At Adamsrill, we use Destination Reader to support our teaching of reading in KS2 and VIPERS in KS1.
- Knowledge of an extensive and rich vocabulary
- An excellent comprehension of texts
- The motivation to read for both study and pleasure
- Extensive knowledge through having read a rich and varied range of texts.
Reading has two major threshold concepts, which are:
- Read words accurately- This concept involves decoding and fluency. We use Read Write Inc in EYFS and KS1 to address this, and Fresh Start in KS2
- Understand texts- This concept involves understanding both the literal and more subtle nuances of texts. In KS1 we address this through the use of VIPERS and in KS2 we use Destination Reader. We are proud to say that at Adamsrill we are de-mystifying Shakespeare. Pupils study Shakespeare (the Shakespeare Project) from reception to year six.
We hope pupils come to develop a love of language through understanding and becoming adept in the use of its various forms. We aim for pupils to become confident and display independent ability to express their own experiences and ideas in creative and innovative ways. At Adamsrill we put increasing emphasis on the importance of pupils being able to present themselves confidently. Pupils are engaged in activities such as, role- play, drama, presentations, writing for a purpose, to ensure they develop high standards of communication skills, which will sustain them in their adult lives.