English

The National Curriculum for English states:

Purpose of study

English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.

Aims

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. The national curriculum for English 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
• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
• 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

Our essential learning objectives for English at Rushy Meadow are to enable children:

Speaking and Listening

• To be able to communicate confidently and clearly.
• To listen with interest and engagement.

Reading

• To be able to read words accurately.
• To be able to understand texts.
• To develop a love of reading.

 Writing (Composition)

• To be able to write with purpose.
• To be able to use imaginative description.
• To be able to organise writing appropriately.
• To be able to use sentences and paragraphs appropriately.

Transcription (Handwriting)

• To be able to write and present neatly.
• To be able to spell accurately.
• To be able to punctuate accurately.

Analysis and presentation

• To be able to analyse writing.
• To be able to present writing.

See below for documents published by the Department for Education for English.