English Intent at Ashbourne Primary School

Our work is underpinned by our vision and aims: ‘Nurturing aspiration through happy, creative learning.’ Our PRAISE aims are at the heart of every lesson and our focus on the removal of barriers is firmly engrained into all areas of the English curriculum. At Ashbourne Primary School, we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop the children’s love of reading, writing and discussion.

We intend to provide an English curriculum which inspires a love and enjoyment of reading as well as being a tool to access information and to communicate with the world. We aim to provide the foundation for reading through phonics in order for children to read fluently and widely and be able to express their preferences and opinions about the texts that they have read. We want our pupils to read for pleasure, having being exposed to a wide range of text types, genres and authors throughout the curriculum.

We want our pupils to understand that Writing is also a tool for communication, through which their voice and ideas can be heard. This is demonstrated through our text based approach to teaching. We aim to provide pupils with opportunities to access a range of texts and authors and knowledge of how they can continue to access these resources when they leave our school. English enrichment opportunities are also used to demonstrate that Reading and Writing do not always have to take place within the confines of a classroom.

It is our intention that after completing the English curriculum at our school, pupils will have developed their skills and confidence to tackle a range of texts and to write for a variety of purposes and audiences, so they can effectively communicate with the wider world.

How is English taught at Ashbourne Primary School?

Much of our English work at Ashbourne Primary School will be text based, with children enjoying a wide and varied range of texts and genres. Key skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening will be developed and consolidated upon, before children are then stretched and challenged through a range of exciting learning opportunities.

• Teaching and learning styles will reflect and support the overall development of English with a great emphasis on modelled, shared and guided writing.
• A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be used to give all children the opportunity to develop their literacy skills.
• Children will be given a chance to work within a variety of learning situations including: whole class, guided work, independent work, group work, paired work, problem solving, hot seating and discussing.
• Differentiated and challenging activities will be given to support and extend.
• Drama and role play will be used to widen understanding in English and across the curriculum.