English is an eco-system that encompasses various elements that all work together to make every child literate. Here at Queen Victoria Primary School, we want every child to become a speaker, a reader and a writer in order to prepare them for life at school and beyond.
Phonics
At Queen Victoria Primary School, we are committed to fostering a passion for reading and writing from a young age. To support the teaching of these essential skills in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1), we have implemented the validated phonics programme, ‘Little Wandle Letters and Sounds’. This initiative aligns with the Department for Education (DfE) guidelines, ensuring an effective and systematic approach to phonics instruction.
In conjunction with our phonics programme, we utilise the corresponding texts from ‘Big Cat Collins’, which greatly enrich the reading experience for our pupils. Additionally, our involvement in a DfE Reading project in partnership with Little Sutton English Hub has significantly enhanced our early reading provisions. This collaboration has allowed our early reading initiatives to flourish, enabling children at Queen Victoria to develop vital literacy skills, laying a strong foundation for their future academic success.
Speaking, Listening & Vocabulary
At Queen Victoria Primary School, we understand that speaking and listening opportunities are vital in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and beyond. Our English curriculum is designed to incorporate talk, drama, role-play, and various speaking and listening activities, enabling children to express themselves and articulate their thoughts confidently. Through meticulously planned lessons, we create an environment where pupils can engage in meaningful discussions and interactions.
As children explore texts in their reading and writing, teachers are keenly aware of moments to enrich vocabulary. We guide pupils in working out the meanings of unfamiliar words, as well as words with multiple meanings. It is essential that they acquire the vocabulary necessary for discussing their reading, writing, and spoken language effectively. Additionally, we place great importance on teaching the correct grammatical terms, ensuring that these concepts are seamlessly integrated within lessons, enhancing pupils’ linguistic skills and overall comprehension.
Reading
At Queen Victoria Primary School, we prioritise the love of reading, recognising its vital role in our children’s educational journey. Reading is explicitly taught through quality texts that inspire and engage the children. In Reception and Key Stage 1 (KS1), reading practice sessions are ‘flood filled’ with adults to ensure that all children receive high-quality teaching of early reading skills. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and KS1 read books at home that align with their current phonics phase, supporting them on the path to becoming fluent readers.
As children progress into Key Stage 2 (KS2), we approach reading through structured whole class sessions throughout the week. During these sessions, children can unpick vocabulary, discuss whole class texts, and engage with carefully selected discrete texts to enhance comprehension, all while recording their reflections in reading journals. Daily English sessions also incorporate additional reading opportunities, ensuring that reading is woven into the fabric of our curriculum.
To further cultivate independent reading in KS2, we utilise ‘Accelerated Reader’. This programme enables our teachers to closely monitor reading development and practices, providing essential tools to determine each pupil’s reading level, reading age, and comprehension skills.
At Queen Victoria Primary School, we are committed to developing a genuine love of reading. Our teachers read aloud to their classes, engaging with a rich variety of texts, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in enriching conversations and ‘book talk
Writing
At Queen Victoria Primary School, we embark on a journey with our children to enhance their writing skills, fostering a genuine passion for written expression. We believe that every child should be purpose-driven in their writing endeavours, whether it be to create, entertain, express, persuade, inform, or record. Writing is not merely a skill; it is a creative art that grants our pupils a voice, enabling them to articulate their thoughts and emotions effectively.
Our writing process is carefully structured into units of work. Initially, children are introduced to a high-quality text, where they explore key features and techniques that define exceptional writing. This exposure helps them to understand what constitutes a quality example. As they navigate through this process, we equip them with the necessary punctuation and grammar skills to produce their final pieces. Most concepts of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary are taught within the context of the chosen text, allowing them to ‘catch’ the metalanguage of grammar as well as have it explicitly instructed.
To further support our writing curriculum, we employ ‘The Spelling Shed’ programme, which aligns with the National Curriculum’s spelling requirements. Additionally, we promote the use of Nelson handwriting, which children practise throughout the week, ensuring that their written communication is both clear and confident.
Queen Victoria Primary School: By The Numbers
Explore our school by the numbers: Proudly educating our pupils, supported by dedicated staff, serving countless families, and enriching our community for over a century.
