Curriculum – English

At Ox Close we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. We seek to inspire children to be confident in the art of speaking and listening and to be able to use discussion to communicate and further their learning. We aim to inspire a habit of reading for pleasure, ensuring they read widely and often. Accelerated Reader is a great way to do this, motivating children to read and to ensure they are successful in their reading. In Reception and Key Stage 1, the children develop phonological knowledge and awareness and these skills are used as a foundation to enable the children to read widely throughout the school. Similarly, a strong focus upon the development of speaking and listening skills and a developing knowledge of different text types and grammar are evident in Writing.

Giving pupils the key skills in English enables them to access material in all curriculum areas, and provides a foundation for their learning throughout their school career. To achieve this, teachers are focussed on making English interesting and exciting, engaging the pupils with the joy and wonder of books and piquing their imagination and creativity. At Ox Close we view the teaching of English as a fundamental part of the holistic development of the pupil, fostering positive behaviours and attitudes toward learning, and providing key knowledge and skills, to benefit pupils throughout their education and beyond. The positive environment within classrooms provides the opportunity for children to participate, volunteer and refine their ideas and to listen to and value others. A variety of stimuli for writing are provided for Writing, such as visiting local authors, outdoor education and boy friendly topics, with the aim being to allow a scaffold of context which builds confidence and a willingness to write. Constructive feedback to children in English, particularly in Writing, allows them to edit and improve their ideas and this also assists in developing a growth mindset, in line with the school mantra of ‘Be The Best That You Can Be.’

During English, as well as other subject areas, children are given lots of opportunities to work as part of a group, encouraging them apply the new language that they have been taught. Staff provide a language rich environment that promotes children’s developing language skills, utilising visits out of school as well as inviting visitors into school. High quality CPD is provided to the staff, equipping them to deliver the dynamic curriculum and to meet the needs of all pupils, including those who have additional needs through inclusive provision and specific programmes such as Lexia.

All of these opportunities and experience help to develop children’s Modern British Values, as it gives them the confidence and the language to express themselves in a way which is democratic and respectful. English at Ox Close also develops children’s confidence self-esteem so that they can express their true feelings and to be curious about the world in which they live.