English
At Nanpean Primary School, we believe that communication, both oral and written, is the key to educational progress, to social integration and to personal development and happiness. Literacy is about the development of fluent readers, confident writers and effective speakers and listeners. We believe that it is the right of every child to become a competent and confident user of the English language. The school aims that all children:
- Communicate clearly and confidently, expressing opinions, adapting talk to audience and purpose, using appropriate gesture, intonation and register in order to engage the listener.
- Listen to others, take account of the speaker’s talk, respond thoughtfully and demonstrate the skills necessary for effective speaking and listening.
- Develop the necessary skills to read confidently, fluently and with enjoyment and understanding.
- Read a wide range of genre and be able to process information that is presented in a variety of forms.
- Demonstrate effective research skills, confidently reading a range of information based material from a variety of paper and digital sources, e.g. factual books, websites etc.
- Enjoy writing and recognise its value as an essential communication tool.
- Write confidently in a range of forms, for different purposes and audiences.
- Demonstrate accurate use of spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Present written work neatly and demonstrate handwriting that reflects the principles and guidance set out in the scheme used at our school (Penpals).
- Use ICT skilfully and appropriately, exploring opportunities to create different pieces of multimodal literacy.
Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
Spiritual - English lessons support spiritual development by engaging children with a wide range of poetry, fiction and drama. Children are given the opportunity to explore the feelings and values found in a wide range of genres, through discussion and debate. Exploration of their own and others’ views encourage children to reflect and learn from reflection. Creative writing provides an opportunity to reflect on their own beliefs and promotes an expressive or creative impulse for pupils to explore and develop what animates themselves and others.
Moral – English lessons develop an open and safe learning environment in which pupils can express their views and practice moral decision-making. Children are given the opportunity to discuss a range of social and moral issues found in the texts they read. Children are able to analyse characters and events in a story to explore the consequences of actions. They are given the opportunity to consider different perspectives and empathise with other characters. Texts have been carefully chosen to address moral questions such as disability, race and homelessness. Writing non-fiction texts help children to apply fiction to real life scenarios.
Social - English lessons provide a conceptual and linguistic framework with which to understand and debate social issues. Debate is an important aspect of the subject, giving logical arguments with respect, rationality and thoughtfulness. English lessons encourage pupils to work cooperatively and relate to other people. Topics include real issues to broaden children’s understanding of the world outside of our school.
Cultural - English lessons ensure that children experience a wide range of written and spoken language from a range of cultures. Shakespeare, poetry and non-fiction texts enable students to have an understanding of the influences which have shaped their own cultural heritage as well as an understanding of what tradition means to other cultures.
Inclusion
At our school we teach English to all children, whatever their ability and individual needs. English forms part of the school curriculum policy to provide a broad and balanced education to all children. We strive hard to meet the needs of those pupils with special educational needs, those with disabilities, those with special gifts and talents, and those learning English as an additional language, and we take all reasonable steps to achieve this.
When progress falls significantly outside the expected range, additional or different action is implemented to enable the child to learn more effectively. At Nanpean School children’s needs are understood so that the right adjustments and provision are in place.