English

English Curriculum Rationale

Aims: At Hawksmoor Primary School we strive to ensure that our pupils receive a well-rounded English curriculum through the medium of reading, writing and speaking and listening in line with the national curriculum.

The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

Through our high standards of language and vocabulary, we equip the children with a strong command of the spoken and written word that allows them to develop their love of literature through widespread exposure to a range of texts and books.

Spoken Language Aims:

Throughout their time in Hawksmoor, pupils from Early Years to Year 6 are taught to continually develop their confidence and competence in spoken language and listening skills. The children are encouraged to listen carefully across a range of situations, to different audiences, as well as to ask relevant questions to extend their understanding and knowledge. We strive for the children to become confident, coherent speakers who can engage in discussions, debates and dramatic performances controlling their speaking and listening conscious

Reading Aims:

Our pupils, from Early Years onwards will be taught and understand the necessary skills that they need to be fluent and confident readers and are able to apply these skills both in class and for enjoyment. A love and passion of reading in our children will be instilled by giving them ample opportunities to read widely and often, both for pleasure and information. Children will be able to read aloud a wider range of poetry and books, written at an age-appropriate interest level with accuracy and at a reasonable speaking pace. We aim for our children to be competent readers who can actively take part in book discussions, recommend books to peers, and have a desire to read across a range of genres.

Writing Aims:

During their time at Hawksmoor, pupils will become imaginative, creative and effective writers who can write clearly, accurately, and coherently, adapting language and style across a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. The children are exposed to a range of models in different genres that allows the opportunity to develop their writing skills. These writing tools are built upon each year to allow the children to develop their understanding of effective writing across a range of genres.

Pupils from Early Years to Year 6 are also taught a sophisticated bank of vocabulary, through our model texts, that they can apply in their personal writing. They will be able to quickly write their ideas and compose a range of different pieces of writing with a broad understanding of grammar and punctuation and the effect it has on their piece of writing. The children are taught the necessary skills to evaluate their own writing through opportunities for editing and understand what underpins an effective piece of writing. In addition, the children acquire and are taught a range of grammar and punctuation and how to apply this effectively to aid writing.