English

At Martinshaw we aim to help the children to develop an understanding that the written word is a representation of the spoken word, and that both have a variety of forms related to purpose. We understand that language is the main instrument, both written and spoken, for learning throughout the curriculum.

We recognise that English skills not only empower children to communicate creatively and imaginatively, but also enable them to develop skills and attitudes which they will use, enjoy and benefit from into adult life.   

We aim to develop pupils’ abilities through an integrated program of work involving speaking and listening, reading and writing. Children will be able to acquire these skills through the National Curriculum objectives as well as through cross-curricular teaching.

at Martinshaw we encourage children to be able to;

• Read, write and speak with confidence, fluency and understanding.
• Develop an interest in books and to read for both enjoyment and information with increasing fluency and understanding, using a wide range of strategies to self-monitor and correct. All children in the school have access to a wide range of quality texts both Fiction and Non-fiction.
• Develop an interest in writing and to write for a range of purposes displaying appropriate knowledge and use of skills learnt in relation to vocabulary, grammar and spelling.
• Write legibly and neatly
• Be able to discuss their own reading and writing, expressing opinions, explaining techniques and justifying preferences, about a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts, using technical vocabulary when appropriate.