Writing at Sycamore
We want children to be inspired to write and know that they are writing for a purpose and to further develop their linguistic skills.
The English curriculum at Sycamore Academy has been created to ensure that all the needs of our children are met in relation to writing. Sycamore Academy’s English curriculum has been developed to ensure that we lead with quality texts. All children should be exposed to and enjoy a range of books that are diverse, engaging and are bursting with knowledge. Using quality texts allows for children to learn new vocabulary, explore meanings and develop their knowledge of a particular topic. Through the teaching of our curriculum, it allows for children to become immersed in a text, which then ensures that our children are well prepared to create quality writing.
In Sycamore Academy we firmly believe that discussion and talk-partners are crucial for enabling quality writing. Therefore, we incorporate oracy skills into our planning so that our children have an opportunity to rehearse information before writing. As we develop oracy skills throughout the key stages, the more advanced their vocabulary and sentence structures become.
Reading is also an important element of the English curriculum. Phonics is the approach used in EYFS and Key Stage 1. In Key Stage 2, we develop fluency and comprehension skills in order for our children to leave Sycamore as competent and confident readers.
We want children to be inspired to write and know that they are writing for a purpose and to further develop their linguistic skills.
We support children to write using the cursive script. We teach this through the handwriting programme ‘Nelson Handwriting’.
Reading is key to learning. We ensure that reading is a daily activity for children, whether it be independent reading, listening to adults read or peer reading.
English in Year 4
At Sycamore Academy, we want all of our children to achieve their full potential. Pupil’s progress is measured through ongoing assessment in line with the school assessment structures. Work is planned to address misconceptions and gaps in learning are identified to ensure that the curriculum effectively meets the needs of all pupils. We want our children to leave us with a confident command of the English curriculum and a desire to want to be lifelong readers.
