Our English Curriculum
Writing
At Todmorden CE School we strive to develop the children’s ability to produce well structured, detailed writing in which the meaning is made clear and which engages the interest of the reader. We use a wide range and variety of teaching styles in our English lessons in order to meet the needs of all our pupils. The teaching of English is fundamental to everything that we do at Todmorden CE J, I & N School. Text based planning forms the bedrock of our teaching across the whole school, so that we can instill a love of words and new language in all our children.
Units of work are usually based around one high quality fiction, poetry or non-fiction which is taught in depth. Using a text-based approach to writing and reading, encompasses the taught elements of English: comprehension, spelling, punctuation, grammar, shared writing/reading and the skills needed for each genre of writing. Teachers create a teaching sequence which engages the pupil’s interest and immerses them in the text therefore the quality of the outcome is enhanced.
From a young age we teach letter formation, word building strategies & phonics through Read Write Inc planning and resources. Once children have secured the basics we move on to using the teaching sequences from CLPE's ‘Power of Reading’, we use a range of quality texts to inspire our children to both read for pleasure and to develop their writing for a purpose.
Reading
At Todmorden CE School, we understand that being able to read well is a key skill for all children. As well as teaching word-reading and comprehension, we support and encourage children to develop a life-long love of reading for pleasure. Children are taught to apply their skills to read for meaning in a wide range of genres and across the curriculum.
In EYFS and KS1 daily phonics teaching is crucial to developing reading and writing skills. Our Systematic Synthetic Phonic Scheme is Read Write Inc. The Read Write Inc. resources are used throughout school for daily taught phonic sessions and interventions.
Depending on a child's individual needs, some children will continue to be taught daily phonics in KS2. Children in Year 5 and 6 will be taught through Fresh Start- an age-appropriate Read Write Inc scheme.
Read Write Inc. books form the basis of our reading scheme in school, with the older children moving onto a range of quality, self chosen, more challenging texts and eventually 'free' readers. Children will bring their reading book home daily. Whilst children have many opportunities to read in school, individually, in groups and as a class, there are lots of ways that you can support your child’s reading at home. Any time you can spend sharing your child’s reading book will provide valuable support for their learning. Oxford Owl is another fantastic resource which is used in school but can also be accessed at home to support your child’s reading.
We would encourage you to hear your child read as often as possible. ‘Little and often’ is best. Reading does not always have to be from your child’s reading book – books from home, newspapers, menus, instructions, internet research or comics are all reading too. Use your child’s reading diary to make positive comments and communicate any concerns. Most importantly, enjoy reading together and give loads of encouragement.
Our school is lucky enough to have a large school library with an extensive range of books, including books that embrace diversity and difference. Children all visit the library on a Wednesday to self chose a book to read on their own or with an adult at home.
What is Read Write Inc. Phonics?
Find more information out here:
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/
Our Key Texts from Bunnies to Year 2
Here is an example of our yearly overview (texts change yearly for different classes needs and interests):
Click for more information : English National Curriculum
Parent English Information Booklet
Please have a look below at our information booklet or pick one up at the end of the main corridor.
CLICK ON YOUR CHILD'S CLASS BELOW FOR FANTASTIC BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS TO READ AT HOME:
Handwriting
Our handwriting scheme follows a cursive script. The key features are:-
- Each letter starts on the line
- The child keeps their pencil on the paper for the whole word, giving a fluent style
- Pupils should develop their ability to produce letters without thinking
- By making each letter in one movement, children’s hands develop a ‘physical memory’ of it, making it easier to produce the correct shape
- We have a consistent style from Nursery to Year Six.
Parents can access the Letterjoin website to support their children’s handwriting development by clicking on the link below.
Our Letterjoin log in is :
User= Tod
Password = morden
