English - Reading at Ashurst

English Leader - Mrs N. Moss

Phonics Leader - Miss R. Jones

'Reading at the heart of the curriculum'

Intent

Our English curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully designed to ensure that all pupils develop the essential literacy skills required for success. Through a well-sequenced and progressive curriculum, pupils are supported and challenged to achieve a high standard of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all learners, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, enabling everyone to make strong progress from their starting points.

English is prioritised across the whole curriculum, as we recognise that secure Literacy skills are fundamental to pupils’ achievement in all subjects. Our aim is for pupils to become confident, fluent readers and articulate writers who can express their ideas clearly and effectively. This ensures pupils are able to access the full breadth of the curriculum and are well prepared for the next stages of their education.

The curriculum develops pupils’ command of spoken and written language while nurturing a genuine love of literature through regular opportunities to read widely and for pleasure. Pupils build an ambitious vocabulary, develop a secure understanding of grammar, and learn how to apply language conventions accurately across a range of contexts. A strong foundation in English empowers pupils to succeed academically and develop confidence as learners.

Our English curriculum also contributes significantly to pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development. Through high-quality texts, discussion and reflection, pupils develop respect, empathy and critical thinking skills. Fundamental British Values are embedded throughout English lessons, supporting pupils to become responsible, informed and active members of modern British society.

Our Reading Vision

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Implementation

Early Reading at Ashurst

Phonics Leader - Miss R. Jones

We use an approved and validated systematic synthetic phonics teaching programme at Ashurst. Validation status indicates that our programme, Read, Write, Inc. Phonics has been self-assessed by its publisher and judged by a small panel with relevant expertise and that both consider it to meet all of the Department for Education (DFE) criteria for an effective systematic synthetic phonics programme.

Through the Read Write Inc phonics programme, Children at Ashurst are taught to recognise sounds, read decodable green words, red tricky words and alien words. Children also practise spelling these words and writing them down. Children are taught to apply their phonics skills and improve fluency through the Read, Write, Inc. story books used during these sessions. All staff receive RWI training, regular updates and development days to ensure high standards and consistency when delivering the programme. Children's progress in phonics is closely tracked and children are regularly assessed and regrouped. Our Reading Leader tracks progress and identifies anyone who requires 1:1 intervention which is implemented without delay in order for children to 'catch-up'.

Home reading books for our Early Readers - Early Years and Key Stage 1

Home reading books are phonics based and exactly match our phonics programme to ensure books closely match the sound being taught in lessons. Children take these home and parents are encouraged to support children in reading these. There are also activities and questions for them to complete in the front and back of the books. Children's progress through the reading levels is again closely tracked and once children no longer need the RWI phonics programme, they are moved onto colour book banded books.

Click on the link below to find out more about how we teach phonics through the Read, Write, Inc. programme

Read, Write, Inc at Ashurst

A love of reading shines through in our Early Years

Reading in Key Stage 2

Key Stage 2 Independent Reading

At our school, reading is at the heart of learning in Key Stage 2. Children are encouraged to see themselves as confident, curious readers who enjoy exploring a wide range of texts. Through carefully chosen novels, non-fiction and poetry texts, pupils develop strong comprehension skills while discovering the power of language and storytelling.

Children in Key Stage 2 develop their independent reading skills through accessing both our school Oxford Reading scheme and our free choice colour banded books. These books have been carefully selected to ensure progression in fluency, automaticity, vocabulary and comprehension. Children are encouraged to read both at home and at school and we value the partnership that exists with our families.

Our reading lessons are engaging and interactive, giving children opportunities to discuss ideas, ask questions and deepen their understanding of characters, themes and vocabulary. We place a strong emphasis on reading for meaning, helping pupils to think critically, make connections and express their opinions with confidence.

Alongside whole class guided reading, children are supported to develop a love of independent reading. They have access to our amazing school library and well stocked class libraries. Our aim is for every child to leave Key Stage 2 not only able to read well, but eager to read for pleasure and learning beyond the classroom.

Children in Years 3 and 4 also access Reading Plus, a program which develops reading fluency. Find out more below.

Reading Plus for Year 3 and 4 Children

Reading Plus is a program for children in our Year 3 and 4 classes. It teaches them to become stronger readers by developing silent fluency, reading speed and comprehension. Reading Plus provides stories which increase in difficulty. Children read a short text and answer 10 questions. Children have access to 800+ high quality texts that are constantly updated and adapted to meet every child's needs. Reading Plus does not replace reading books. The program is designed to teach each child to become a more efficient reader, thus helping to support a lifelong love of reading.

Children at Ashurst work so well through this program and tell us they love it!

Getting the most from Reading Plus at home

Click on the link below for some useful guidance:

Reading Plus Guidance for Parents