Our Vision for English
English Curriculum Map
English Progression Map: Writing
English Progression Map: Reading
English Progression Map: Spoken Language
National Curriculum (English Programmes of Study KS1 & KS2)
The overarching aim for English in the National Curriculum is to promote high standards of reading and writing by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.
The programmes of study for English are set out year-by-year for key stage 1 and two yearly for key stage 2. By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
Our Curriculum Overview
At Phil & Jim, each class follows the objectives of the year group, as set out in the NC programmes of study. These are primarily taught and learnt through the use of high-quality texts and whole school projects. This is in order to provide purpose and context to our writing and reading, and to combine the two skills so that our pupils are readers who write. We also look for opportunities to apply the basic skills of English purposefully across the broader curriculum so that our pupils continue to master the fundamentals of English.
| Whole School English Projects | Cross-curricular Projects (Basic Skills) |
| Autumn
Fiction: Myths & Legends (British or Greek) or Science-fiction Poetry & Play-scripts: William Shakespeare Spoken Language: William Shakespeare (sonnets, speeches and scenes) Non-fiction: Autobiographies (Black History) |
International Day
Black History Maths Week |
| Spring:
Fiction: Fantasy or Exploration or Author focus (see below) Author focus: Charles Dickens Poetry: Classic Poets Spoken Language: Poetry recitals (and Dickensian play-scripts) Non-fiction: Journalism (current affairs/Citizenship) |
Science & Engineering Week
Safer Internet Day Citizenship Week
|
| Summer:
Fiction: Fairy Tales Author focus: Female authors Poetry: Contemporary Spoken Language: Fairy tale play-scripts Non-fiction: Reports (writing scientifically) |
Famous Scientists
Children’s Mental Health Week |
Writing
Spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
The two statutory appendices on spelling and on vocabulary, grammar and punctuation give an overview of what is taught in each year group.
Spellings are highlighted as part of the daily English lessons, and spelling rules are taught as a discrete lesson during Grammar sessions.
Spellings are reinforced and revised as part of our homework policy.
Y1 100 key words & common exception words
Y2 next 200 key words & common exception words
Handwriting
Please see the National Curriculum objectives for details on what is being covered in specific year groups.
We follow the Letterjoin scheme in KS1 & KS2. Please see here for the Letterjoin outcomes and objectives, and here for an example of the font.
We follow the Kinetic Letters scheme in EYFS. Please see here for the Kinetic Letters objectives.
Handwriting is taught as a discrete lesson up to Y4, with handwriting expectations reinforced in daily lessons across the school.
Reading
Phonics & Early Reading
Phonics is taught throughout the school using the Monster Phonics scheme, a programme for 5-7 year-olds, which ensures systematic coverage and progression.
In Key Stage 1, the children are taught whole class for a 30 minute session each day, led by class teachers, with additional intervention groups led by trained learning support staff (in response to misconceptions). The children are assessed regularly to ensure that they are making the expected progress. Year 1 children take part in statutory Phonics Screening during Term 6, and parents are informed of their child’s achievement at the end of the school year.
In EYFS, Phonics is taught whole class from September – progressing gradually up to the whole 30 minute session each day by Christmas.
Writing progresses from talking and composing sentences orally to being able to write sentences with support and, later on, independently. Writing is linked to storytelling and to the children’s own experiences, as well as to the topics taught. Phonics is used to support the early stages of writing, and spelling patterns are taught as the children’s skills progress. Great emphasis is also placed on handwriting and learning the correct letter formation and pencil control from early on.
- Guide to Monster Phonics
- Early Reading and Phonics (Parent workshop – 07.11.23)
- EYFS Phonics Progression Map
- Year 1 Phonics Progression Map
- Year 2 Phonics Progression Map
Guided reading (whole class and 1-1) takes place on a daily basis throughout the school, with two of these sessions including reading for pleasure each week. Children are also encouraged to read independently at the start of the school day.
In EYFS and KS1, children will take home Monster Phonics books that are matched to their phonics level. They will take one Monster Phonics book home once a week. These children will also take home a Banded Book from the Collins Big Cat scheme. In EYFS and KS1 these banded books (shared readers) may include sounds or words not yet taught so will be shared with an adult at home to help. When a child has read the banded books we have in school, they will use the banded books that are accessible online through Collins Big Cat eBooks.
In KS2, pupils read books that are matched to their reading level. These may be banded or library books, including books of their own choice.
Phil & Jim’s Library
All children at Phil & Jim are members of the school library, which is run by our Y6 librarians. The library is open every lunchtime and classes also have timetabled slots during the week. Library cards are issued to every child so that they can borrow up to 3 books at any one time.
Phil & Jim’s Reading Challenge
Reading expectations at home
We encourage and expect our children to read every day at home. All children have a Reading Record that is taken home daily. This is a journal that children and parents can fill in together which is regularly checked by class teachers. We understand that some children enjoy to read independently, in addition to reading with an adult. On these occasions, KS2 children can independently fill out their reading records.
We feel that it is important for children to regularly read with an adult (in addition to reading independently – if they can) so that discussions and joint exploration can take place around the text.
It is important that children experience a wide range of texts, so please encourage your child to read as widely as possible. (Examples include: comics, graphic novels, picture books, novels and age-appropriate newspaper reports/articles.)
Reading books and record books should be kept in the pupil’s school bag, and brought to school each day. Children may also borrow a library book to enjoy at home.
Useful links:
- 7 important questions to ask your child during story time
- Help your child learn to read
- Oxford Owl – help your child learn
- Questions to support reading at home
Reading Record House point reminder:
Filling in a reading record regularly is an easy way to tally up house points:
3x recordings = 1 house point
5x recordings = 2 house points
7x recordings = 3 house points
Why read for pleasure at home?
Reading for pleasure opens up new worlds for children. It gives them the opportunity to use their imagination to explore new ideas, visit new places and meet new characters. (Oxford Owl)
If you are unsure as to which books are suitable for your child, or you would like a recommended list, please do see our reading challenge.
Useful Links:
Topmarks English Games 3-5 years
Topmarks English Games 5-7 years
Topmarks English Games 7-11 years