English
At Castle View school, we strive to help our children to develop their creative imaginations by becoming well-equipped writers and enthusiastic readers. Castle View has developed a workshop style approach to the teaching of Writing. This whole school approach is the heart of our success because it allows for high-quality teacher modelling where pupils have the opportunity to apply skills taught immediately. In every lesson, pupils are encouraged to see themselves as writers and, as a result, behave like writers, confident in their own writing ability and able to think about the impact their vocabulary and punctuation choices have on the reader. This has also developed teachers’ confidence as writers and texts are often written by the teacher to use as a model in lessons.
Each lesson begins with a short activity or writing game which provides children with the opportunity to manipulate language and build towards their final piece of writing. Planning stages are used effectively during lessons to provide a framework for writing and support independent ideas. When writing, pupils are encouraged to cross out, make additions, edit and self-correct their writing which allows the children to work as real authors improving their work.
Children develop strong Reading and Writing links as different genres are studied in different terms. A 'Writing Guidance' document has been created for each genre so that children are aware of, and know how to use, appropriate features using a 'Genre Toolkit’ to ensure the progression of skills and consistency throughout the school. This ensures that staff and students understand what is expected from the genre being studied. Working Walls are used effectively to document teacher guidance and offer a point of reference for pupils during lessons, including these genre toolkits.
Because we pride ourselves on our Writing, Key Stage 2 write in high-quality, hardback books which have a high status in school. These books are a professional journal of writing experiences that we offer our children and are regularly commented on by visitors to the school.
Early reading is key. In phonics lessons, children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling.
Our school library has a wealth and varied range of books allowing pupils chance to develop culturally, emotionally, socially, spiritually and intellectually. In Guided Reading lessons, children read high quality texts, often written by teachers, for different genres. This then supports children with their understanding of appropriate features needed to write their own texts. Alongside exciting texts, we provide opportunities to support learning, including visits, visitors and learning outside the classroom. A broad and balanced curriculum makes reading and writing opportunities exciting. All children experience a progressive curriculum that encourages a passion for literacy, ensuring that our children are equipped with the skills they need in order to apply their learning to become lifelong learners.
Working Walls are used effectively to document teacher guidance and offer a point of reference for pupils during lessons.
We have created our own writing genre overviews which are used alongside The Literacy Company assessment grids for learning to ensure full coverage of the national curriculum and clear progression within and across year groups.
An overview for the year can be seen below.
