Vision

English at West Lodge aspires to ignite every child’s passion for reading and writing. The learning journey begins through meaningful mark making in the Early Years and ends with the children moving on to secondary school having successfully mastered fluency of the English language. Exposing the children to a diverse and inspiring range of authors takes them on imaginary journeys into new worlds, enriching their lives and helping them to form their own identity. From the captivating stories of Julia Donaldson and Michael Morpurgo, to the powerful poetry of Benjamin Zephaniah and Michael Rosen, children develop a love of the written word which in turn enhances their vocabulary and creative writing. Exposure to different languages in KS2 enables children to explore their own cultural identities and those of others to promote a lifetime of effective communication. All children leave West Lodge with the skills to contribute to the world around them with confidence and clarity.

How we teach English

At West Lodge we use a variety of planning resources to provide a bespoke teaching and learning experience that is designed to interest, inform and inspire our children. We follow the English Programme of Study as laid out in the National Curriculum 2014 for KS1 and KS2 and Development Matters 2021 for EYFS. Teachers systematically build English knowledge, skills and understanding and adapt planning to the needs and interests of the children.

English lessons are based on a wide range of texts and experiences to inspire children. Children engage in reading and writing lessons. They are also given the opportunity to develop particular grammar, spelling and speaking and listening skills. English is interweaved throughout the curriculum and children are given opportunities to apply their skills in different lessons.

We teach Phonics through the Read Write Inc Programme. Read Write Inc. Phonics is a DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme with a whole school approach to teaching early reading and writing, designed to ensure progress for every child, in every primary school. The programme is adapted to suit the needs and interests of the children at West Lodge.

Vocabulary

Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing. The quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are vital for developing their vocabulary and grammar and their understanding for reading and writing. At West Lodge, we aim to ensure pupils develop a capacity to explain their understanding of books and other reading, and to prepare their ideas before they write. Through our embedded school approach to the teaching of tiered vocabulary, children are exposed to a wealth of interesting and ambitious language. Children at West Lodge are given opportunities to discuss and debate through speaking and listening tasks that they complete. Through conversation, story-telling and role play, where children share their ideas with support and modelling from their teacher, and questioning that invites them to elaborate, children become comfortable using a rich range of vocabulary and language structures.

Useful Links Oxford Owl - https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/Ruth Miskin

Read Write Inc. - https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/

BBC Bitesize Grammar - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zrqqtfr https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zhrrd2p

Subject Leader

Our subject is led by Sarah Cooper and Emily Widgington . Reena Rajani is our RWI leader