English

Why study English?

“The value of English in the curriculum? What can I say? Without English, nothing. And without good English, nothing very well.”  Anne Fine, Author

“Studying English literature at my school was my first, and probably my biggest, step towards mental freedom and independence. It was like falling in love with life.” Ian McEwan, Novelist

The rationale for teaching English

English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.

Drama

Opportunities for oracy are very important for all children. We have decided to teach drama to all children every week. This will not only increase their skills but will also impact on their confidence and personal development.

English Policy

Reading Progression Map

Reading Progression Reading Spine Poetry Writing Progression Map Writing Composition Long Term Writing Plan Handwriting PolicyEYFS Knowledge Organiser

Year 1 Knowledge Organiser

Year 2 Knowledge Organiser

Year 3 Knowledge Organiser

Year 4 Knowledge Organiser

Year 5 Knowledge Organiser

Year 6 Knowledge Organiser

Phonics at Theale Primary School

 

At Theale Primary School, we follow Read Write Inc programme of phonics teaching.

 

Children learning to read and spell through this programme, from Foundation Stage 2 onwards, will bring home their Read Write Inc 'Book Bag book'. We will change this on a Monday and Thursday. They will be expected to read this book 3 times at home between changes to promote fluency. These books are in line with the phonics they will be learning in school. Read Write Inc assessments are completed in school every six weeks in order to reassess phonics teaching in school and therefore the books they bring home. Children on Read Write Inc books are heard read every day in school.

 

In order to support parents with sound pronunciation and Read Write Inc terminology, we have tutorial videos available below.

 

Please click here to view a recorded session for parents on how to support your child with phonics.

 

Sound pronunciation

 

Set 1 sounds

Set 1 - m - YouTube

 

Set 1 - a - YouTube

 

Set 1 - s - YouTube

 

Set 1 - d - YouTube

 

Set 1 - t - YouTube

 

Set 1 - i - YouTube

 

Set 1 - p - YouTube

 

Set 1 - g - YouTube

 

Set 1 - k - YouTube

 

Set 1 - u - YouTube

 

Set 1 - b - YouTube

 

Set 1 - f - YouTube

 

Set 1 - e - YouTube

 

Set 1 - l - YouTube

 

Set 1 - h - YouTube

 

Set 1 - r - YouTube

 

Set 1 - j - YouTube

 

Set 1 - v - YouTube

 

Set 1 - y - YouTube

 

Set 1 - w - YouTube

 

Set 1 - z - YouTube

 

Set 1 - x - YouTube

 

Set 1 special friend - sh - YouTube

 

Set 1 special friend - th - YouTube

 

Set 1 special friend - ch - YouTube

 

Set 1 special friend - qu - YouTube

 

Set 1 special friend - ng - YouTube

 

Set 1 special friend - nk - YouTube

 

Set 2 sounds

 

Set 2 - ay - YouTube

 

Set 2 - ee - YouTube

 

Set 2 - igh - YouTube

 

Set 2 - ow - YouTube

 

Set 2 - oooo - YouTube

 

Set 2 - oo - YouTube

 

Set 2 - ar - YouTube

 

 

Drama

FS2/Yr1 Drama Knowledge Organiser

Year 2/3 Drama Knowledge Organiser

Year 4/5 Drama Knowledge Organiser

Year 6 Drama Knowledge Organiser