Our Pupils’ perspective:
In English, we learn how to develop a love of language, reading high quality texts and writing for a range of purposes.
Subject Leader
Mrs Fleming is our English subject lead; her passion for reading and writing stems from her childhood, where her love for books and creative writing flourished. For pleasure, she enjoys visiting towns and cities in the UK where famous and influential poets, playwrights and authors were born and grew up. Mrs Fleming has an appreciation for theatre; one of her favourite pastimes is experiencing a musical at various theatres. She has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the English curriculum and adapts our progression documents accordingly, promoting high expectations and sound outcomes.
Subject Intent
At St Luke and St Philips, our English curriculum is designed to develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion and prepare our learners for life as successful, valuable and socially responsible citizens.We believe that through English, minds will be opened and diversity embraced, supporting our school vision, as children develop respect for different communities, beliefs or ideas through the texts they read or write. Excellence is also encouraged and talent is nurtured, as our budding writers and eager readers are encouraged to explore their passions and interests.
At our school we recognise that without effective communication, little achievement can be made. We know that we have a duty to ensure that English teaching is a priority and we recognise that this is part of the essential knowledge that is needed in society.
‘Teachers should develop pupil’s spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; for pupils, understanding the language provides access to the whole curriculum. Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects.’ (National Curriculum)
St Luke & St Philip’s is an inclusive school. We set high expectations and recognise the importance of accurate and regular assessment in order to support individuals at every part of their learning journey and in whatever circumstances. We use one to one support, small groups and quality first teaching to help with this. We plan teaching opportunities to help those for whom English is an additional language and those with disabilities outlined in the SEND code of practice. We agree with the statement of the National Curriculum, that ‘pupils, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.’
English is fundamental to learning across the whole curriculum, developing children’s ability to listen, speak, read and write for a wide range of purposes and is the main medium through which we express our ideas, needs and understanding of the world in which we live.
Useful website links
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/primary
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z7mtsbk
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/interactive.aspx?cat=49
https://www.thenational.academy/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies
https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/
https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/