English

At St Francis we teach English so that: children write in a range of genre with an awareness of their audience;

 

 Children can speak clearly and audibly, taking account of their listeners; children listen with concentration to enable recall of key learning; children become effective communicators; children become enthusiastic, confident and independent readers; children enjoy writing, and can adapt it for a range of purposes; children apply a range of writing skills and techniques to their writing.

This is achieved through providing a range of picture, story and non-fiction books in our well stocked Library. Enjoyment of writing is fostered through use of drama, story and the use of ICT.

 

We follow the Read Write Inc approach to teaching Reading and Phonics, supplemented with additional reading materials. Our approach is systematic, consistent and rigorous in order that all children become readers as quickly as possible.

We use the same phonics program across the school providing continuity and a vehicle for guaranteed progression.

RWI sessions take place every day for 30 minutes. Pupils are taught in ability groups from Reception to Year 2 thus enabling them to be taught according to their reading level not their age. Teaching is very precise and tailored to the needs of each child irrespective of year group.

 

We will 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 (EAL), and we take all reasonable steps to achieve this.