Pittington Primary School | Hallgarth Lane, Durham, County Durham DH6 1AF

0191 3720314

Pittington Primary School

Welcome to our school

National Curriculum

Curriculum Statement
English
“My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling but it wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh



We aim to support our children in becoming confident, articulate learners who are able to communicate effectively in writing and through spoken word. Reading is an integral part of all curriculum areas and is encouraged and celebrated at every given opportunity. We aim for all children to master the skills of the English curriculum in preparation for further education and their adult life.
 

Content of the English curriculum

The English Curriculum at Pittington Primary School supports and supplements the National Curriculum by reflecting the needs of our children and the context of the school. It provides a basis for developing the children’s reading, writing and speaking and listening skills.
 

The children undertake a daily dedicated English lesson with an additional fortnightly extended writing session. Literacy skills are required in every part of our curriculum and indeed daily life.

Our curriculum and ethos promote and nurture this in our children with key literacy skills firmly embedded in all curriculum areas.
 

The children will be taught and given opportunities to:

  • Acquire and apply phonic knowledge to segment and blend sounds for reading and writing.
  • Read easily, fluently and with good understanding as they progress through school.
  • Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.
  • Form letters correctly and write legibly, fluently and with increasing speed.
  • Join letters when formation is secure and embedded.
  • Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting language for a range of contexts and audiences.
  • Develop an understanding and the importance of grammar and punctuation in spoken and written work.
  • Understand spelling rules and conventions and apply this in their work appropriately.
  • Learn the technical vocabulary they need to discuss their reading, writing and spoken language.
  • Enhance and broaden vocabulary across all curriculum areas.
  • Use discussion in order to learn and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
  • Display competence in speaking and listening, make formal presentations and participate in debate.


Assessment of English
At Pittington Primary it is our intention that all children will at least reach their age related expectations as described in the National Curriculum. However through a curriculum that is challenging and relevant to the children we strive for children to achieve greater than age related expectations.
 

Children who are not meeting age related expectations will be supported by staff through differentiated tasks and targeted small group work. The direct use of key questions and targeted support will be offered to ensure that any gaps between groups of children are closed.
 

Parents will be involved and informed during this process and encouraged and supported in helping their child wherever possible.
 

Assessment of the children’s English skills will be assessed by the class teacher and other staff through moderation and discussion. There will be a range of evidence to support teacher judgement including English books, guided reading files, photographs and assessed pieces of work.


Monitoring of English
The quality of the learning across the school is monitored by the English Subject Link Teacher and Senior Leadership Team.
 

Monitoring includes the Subject Link Teacher observing learning within lessons, planning scrutiny, work scrutiny and discussions with children. Analysis of data is also undertaken to ensure that standards are high and that improvements are made where necessary.
 

Training is offered to all teachers to ensure that their knowledge and skills are up to date and accurate.
 

The Subject Link Teacher meets with the Special Interest Governor for English to share school improvement plan initiatives with them and ensure that governors are aware of standards across the school.

If you would like more information about our English Curriculum please contact Miss Wigham, Headteacher by clicking here