English

English is the foundation upon which every other subject depends. At William Stockton, our priority is to develop children’s confidence, enjoyment and ability in reading, writing and communication. Fundamentally, we believe that spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing; consequently, we take every opportunity to improve our children’s spoken grammar and syntax. We aim to provide all our children with depth, breadth and ambition in their learning: ensuring that our curriculum is well sequenced, building on knowledge and skills gained as children progress through the school. We strive for our children to develop a passion for English, giving them life skills and securing them as lifelong learners. Reading, writing and spoken language are at the heart of our curriculum.

We believe that fluency in the English language is an essential base on which to build success in all subjects and therefore develop pupils’ spoken language, listening skills, reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary via the English curriculum. This is achieved by diverse means:

Following the Pathways to Write scheme, teachers are given the confidence to adapt the programme to meet the needs of the children of William Stockton through extensive CPD which is delivered regularly. Using the Gradual Release of Responsibility technique, writing is first modelled, then discussed before children work independently. This is leading to our children becoming metacognitive, reflective learners. 

We promote a love of reading, drama and writing whereby children want to read, write and perform spontaneously with enjoyment. 

Interwoven through all areas of the curriculum is a drive to support children as they develop confidence and fluency in using varied and increasingly ambitious vocabulary. Stem sentences are used across curriculum subjects, providing a structured sentence into which they insert subject specific vocabulary thus reducing cognitive load and allowing children to enhance their personal lexicon. 

Spelling becomes a discrete learning area from summer term in Y2 onwards. Children receive words to learn each week which focus on age-appropriate common exceptions as well as concentrating on spelling patterns.

Regular CPD is also delivered to teachers on writing moderation which enables them to evaluate the strengths in their pupil’s writing and identify any areas which may require reinforcement. 

Between us, we have taught every year group in Key Stages 1 and 2 thus acquiring a strong knowledge of the whole school curriculum and its holistic progression.

Mrs Hillstead specialises in phonics, sharing her expertise with the English Hub for over four years whilst Miss Forshaw has a degree in Primary Education with English and is enthusiastically committed to preparing each of our learners for their future and equipping them with the mindset and skills necessary to achieve their full potential.

Constantly developing our own subject knowledge is vital in order to ultimately develop the knowledge of our children; this is something we fervently believe in.

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