Literacy Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
At Mossbourne Riverside Academy we have designed our English curriculum with the intent that all children, regardless of background, will become fluent, insightful readers and technically skilled, creative writers. Our children will engage with a range of genres and develop their understanding of fiction and non-fiction styles. Furthermore, we have developed a curriculum that will instil in all children a love of reading and writing that we hope will stay with them for life. We understand that a good grasp of English is the bedrock of the entire curriculum and that children who are confident and adept readers and writers will be empowered to succeed in all other areas. We understand, too, the vital role played by parents and carers in the development of reading and writing and in the nurturing of positive habits, particularly in attitudes towards reading. We welcome this and value their contribution.
We will deliver an English Curriculum that:
Implementation
The English Curriculum is led and overseen by the English Curriculum Leaders, in conjunction with the EYFS lead and SLT. They will regularly monitor, evaluate, and review English teaching and learning, celebrating and sharing good practice. Formative assessments will be integrated into every day English teaching to ensure teachers have an in–depth knowledge of the children’s learning and to inform their next steps. Low stakes testing of English will take place from Y1 upwards (phonics testing will take place in Y1). Across YR – Y2, the children will be regularly assessed based on their phonics ability which will inform the accurate allocation of streamed groups which allows for phonics teaching to be tailored to the specific needs of each child. Where children require additional support with phonics, they will be placed on a robust 1 to 1 tutoring programme until the gap is closed. The National Curriculum 2014 and the Early Years Foundation Stage statuary framework 2017 will provide the basis of the English curriculum which is then tailored to meet the learning and developmental needs of the children in school.
All planning will be informed by two fundamental, complimentary tenets: 1) to develop technical proficiency and 2) to develop enjoyment of reading and creativity of writing. Teachers will plan English using the newly developed progression of skills document which will allow children to build upon prior knowledge and understanding, as well as the teaching sequence for writing. Teachers will develop their knowledge of children’s literature and ensure that children are exposed to a wide variety of different, high quality texts. Children will be exposed to classics as well as to lesser known works of literature from around the world, representing a diverse range of authors and writers. Drama and role play will encourage children to develop their oracy skills.
All children’s efforts will be celebrated. Work that reflects the efforts of all children will be displayed and named. A star writer is chosen in each class, each week and their work is displayed for the school community to see. Children will be presented with opportunities to share their work with the wider school community and with parents.
Impact
Our English Curriculum should ensure that: