English

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

Phonics is taught at St Thomas' through the  Read, Write Inc. scheme. Children from Nursery through to KS1 partake in daily phonics lessons and it is used as in intervention in Years 3 and 4. The Fresh Start element of the scheme is used as an intervention in Year 5 and 6 for pupils who need it.

Children are given many planned opportunities to read, including whole class reading, silent reading, one-to-one reading, guided reading, reciprocal reading and paired reading.  They all also have the opportunity to visit the school libraries, giving them access to a wide range of books, both fiction and non-fiction, a range of comics, e-readers and audio books. 

Both home/school readers and guided reading sets, are age and ability appropriate to ensure progression both within each year group and across key stages.  The children read books from a range a publishers to give them breadth and a greater choice of reading materials to promote enjoyment.  Our children also take part in regular guided reading sessions to develop reading and comprehension skills.