Literacy

Subject Leaders: Mrs Atherton, Mrs Galligan

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“I don’t believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.”

J.K. Rowling

At St. Mary’s we believe that a quality Literacy (English) curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. We have a rigorous and well organised English curriculum that provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion. Our curriculum closely follows the aims of the National Curriculum for English 2014.

We want to create children who are enthusiastic, lively writers with an innate desire to read for pleasure and further their learning.  Through access to a range of authors, our aim is to develop confident readers with a lifelong love of reading.  Children will experience an abundance of quality, engaging texts that stimulate children to write in lessons; delivered by teachers with excellent subject knowledge that motivate children to achieve their potential.

Literacy in EYFS

ELGs

The EYFS ‘Early Learning Goals’ state that children at expected level of development when assessed at the end of reception will:

• Demonstrate understanding of what has been read to them by retelling stories and narratives using their own words and recently introduced vocabulary;
• Anticipate – where appropriate – key events in stories;
• Use and understand recently introduced vocabulary during discussions about stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems and during role-play.
• Say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs;
• Read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound-blending;
• Read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words.
• Write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed;
• Spell words by identifying sounds in them and representing the sounds with a letter or letters;
• Write simple phrases and sentences that can be read by others.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

National Curriculum

The National Curriculum for Literacy aims 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
• have an interest in words, their meanings and acquire a wide growing vocabulary 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 clearly their understanding and ideas
• are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.