"I like doing free writes because you can write what you want." Lucas (Year 3)

"I like getting to add to what I've written with my green action pen." Brendan (Year 4)

"I really like drafting my work and coming up with sentences." Carys (Year 5)

"I like doing longer pieces of writing." Logan (Year 5)

"Thinking frames help me to see what I can include. Practising writing helps me improve my vocabulary and punctuation." Andrea (Year 6)

The overarching aim for English in the National Curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment and purpose.  The effectiveness of English teaching determines the success of the whole curriculum.

Language is cross-curricular - it is an essential element of learning in all areas of the curriculum. We follow the National Curriculum and believe the development of literacy skills is best ensured by providing a rich and varied linguistic environment.

The National Curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:  

• Read easily, fluently and with good understanding.
• Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.
• Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
• Appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage.
• Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
• Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
• Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Curriculum enhancement

At Colyton, we pride ourselves on developing metacognitive learners and we enhance our English curriculum using a range of thinking routines and thinking frames.

We also encourage pupils to evaluate and reflect on their writing and the process at the planning, drafting and editing/revising stages.