English
English at Blenheim Primary School
At Blenheim Primary School, we believe that English is at the heart of our curriculum and the key to unlocking every child’s potential. We know that the ability to read, write and communicate with confidence opens doors not only to success in all subjects, but also to a lifetime of enjoyment, curiosity and opportunity. Because of this, we place the highest priority on the teaching of English and set ambitious expectations for every child. We want our pupils to leave us not only with strong language skills, but also with a deep love of literature and the confidence to express themselves clearly and creatively.
Improved performance in reading, writing and spoken language enables pupils to express their thoughts and ideas more fluently and accurately. These skills can then be applied across the curriculum, enriching learning and supporting academic success, while also empowering children in their lives beyond school. This focus on excellence is reflected in our consistently strong outcomes at the end of Key Stage 2 in reading, writing and SPaG, ensuring our children leave Blenheim with an excellent foundation for the future.
Our overarching aim for English is to promote high standards of language and literacy – equipping pupils with a strong command of English in both spoken and written forms, whilst developing their enjoyment of reading and appreciation of literature. Talk and discussion are an integral part of all lessons, helping children to develop their ideas, share their opinions and learn from others.
We aim for our pupils to:
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Read fluently and demonstrate a good understanding of what they have read
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Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
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Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar, and knowledge of the rules and patterns of reading, writing and spoken language.
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Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in a range of contexts for different purposes and audiences
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Develop their ability to think critically and explain their understanding and ideas clearly across all areas of learning
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Be competent in speaking and listening, contributing confidently to group work, debate and collaborative learning
At Blenheim Primary School, we nurture independent learners who are confident across all strands of English. We provide children with rich opportunities to talk in a variety of contexts, while learning to listen carefully and value the views of others. Our aim is for every child to leave our school as an articulate, enthusiastic and thoughtful communicator, fully prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.