English
English consists of reading, writing, spoken language, handwriting, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and grammar.
We use the English programmes of study for Key Stages 1 and 2 as the foundation of our English curriculum. Each of these aspects are taught both as discrete subjects and alongside other areas of the curriculum.
Reading
Children in KS2 access a reading program called Accelerated Reader. The program provides quizzes for the children to take once they have read a book, providing the opportunity for them to practise and improve their comprehension of what they have read.
KS2 have a bespoke, text-focused curriculum for reading that has been designed to develop children’s comprehension, vocabulary and enjoyment of books. Fluency and prosody are modelled, taught and secured within the reading lessons, as children have the opportunity to experience a breadth of rich, diverse and challenging texts. Further information can be found on the Literacy Tree website.
Phonics
At Grampian Primary Academy we strive for our children to develop a natural love of reading and writing. We want all our children to become keen, confident and fluent readers. We want them to have no limits in their ambitions and to grow up knowing the worth of being able to read and write independently.
Phonics and reading are truly embedded into every aspect of our curriculum, and throughout every school day.
We start teaching phonics in Nursery through nursery rhymes, hearing and identifying environmental sounds and listening to different poems. In Reception and KS1, we teach phonics in lessons using the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds programme. This ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabet, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school and feel confident to tackle unfamiliar words when they are reading.
We know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects, so teachers model the use of phonics during shared reading and writing, and across the curriculum, to support children’s language development.
Writing
Writing is a fundamental skill that permeates many areas of the curriculum, as children are provided with the opportunity to write for different purposes and audiences.
Writing lessons, and opportunities to write in other subjects, take place daily across the school with a focus on:
- Transcription, which includes spelling and handwriting
- Composition, which includes planning, drafting and evaluating writing
- Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
Further information can be found on the Literacy Tree website.
Spelling
In KS2, we use a bespoke spelling curriculum written by the Anthem Trust English Lead.
Spoken language and vocabulary
Spoken language and vocabulary is promoted in all subjects and is one of the key drivers in our curriculum. Activities include discussion, presentations, sharing stories and poetry, role-play, debate and drama. This is underpinned by the Anthem Trust Oracy Framework.
