Subject Leader - Mrs N. Pilkington 

At Our Lady & St. Gerard's, we aim to develop the English skills that children will need to equip them for everyday life in an ever-changing society. We strive to create an engaging, language rich environment where children can learn and develop skills in a purposeful manner, making links with other curriculum areas where appropriate.  We have developed a curriculum which ensures children spend longer being taught the Key Skills in reading and writing in order to secure their literacy skills.  Throughout EYFS,  KS1 & KS2, children are taught skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing, encompassing phonic knowledge, drama, spelling, grammar, comprehension, composition and handwriting. 

Early Years Information:

In the Nursery and Reception, staff follow the EYFS Statutory Framework.  Children develop key skills, acquire new knowledge and demonstrate their understanding through seven areas of learning and development. The seven areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected.  

Three areas are particularly important for building a foundation for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, forming relationships and thriving.

Prime areas:

*Communication and language;

*Physical development; and

*Personal, social and emotional development.

These prime areas are essential for physical, social and language development.  These prime areas pave the way for future learning.  The prime areas will help them to develop skills in 4 specific areas.We also support children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. 

Specific areas:

*Literacy

*Mathematics

*Understanding the world; and 

*Expressive arts and design.

Development Matters is non-statutory guidance which is used to support the teaching and learning of our children. Development matters sets out pathways of development (Birth to three and three to four years)

In EYFS, children work towards achieving the Early Learning Goals.  The level of development children should be expected to have attained by the end of the EYFS is defined by the early learning goals (ELGs).  The ELGs are set out in the EYFS Framework.

You can further information about the EYFS curriculum on the EYFS pages.

Year 1-6

At Our Lady & St Gerard’s school, we follow the statutory guidance for the teaching of English, as set out in the National Curriculum 2014 but in accordance with our overarching curriculum aims, our curriculum for English promotes the acquisition of transferable skills to meet the demands of our 21st Century world.  We ensure that the EYFS curriculum 'dovetails' with the curriculum in Year 1 for a smooth transition into KS1.  

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 language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

Each Class Page outlines the English content overview for that Year Group.  Please use the sub-pages for more information about our Phonics and Reading schemes.

You can click the stars below to find more information about phonics, reading and our English curriculum.

Supporting Parents

We offer a range of workshops and activities to support parents to support their child at home and to encourage reading for pleasure.

'Stay & Read' feedback

"Great to be able to see my child in class and some of the routines."

"My child had fun reading with her friend."

"Really good to bond with the children and see the morning routines... my child loves storytime!"

Phonics Workshops

In the Autumn and Spring Terms we hold parent workshops to give parents the opportunity to learn more about phonics and work alongside their child in school.  Please see our phonics section for more information about the way we teach phonics.

November 2021

"Interesting to learn about the structure of phonics and how the phonemes are pronounced."

"Great insight into what my child is learning and how I can assist.  I appreciate being invited to be part of his learning."

"Brilliant!"

(Year 1 parents)

     "The workshop was fantastic - I have learnt so much.  The word cards with sound buttons were really helpful." (Year 1 parent - January 2020)

"Good information and knowledge to use at home.  Great to spend time with ****** at school to see what he does."  (Year 1 parent  - January 2020)

"Very interesting and informative.  I like the videos (articulation & phonics check) and the interactive sessions with the kids."  (Year 1 parent - January 2020)

Book Fairs

Every year we hold Book Fairs to encourage a love of books and wider reading.  We usually tie these in with our World Book Day celebrations in March.  

Pyjamarama Book Trust Fun: 14th May 2021

At Our Lady & St Gerard's we like to provide children with a range of experiences relating to English, drama and the arts.  Regular events in school include: meeting famours authors, watching live performances in school and at the theatre and a variety of book related events.

Regular guests at our school are the Skyblue Theatre Company.  To celebrate the life of William Shakespeare, we all enjoy the Shakespeare Rewired workshops.  Last April our Year 3 & 4 enjoyed A Midsummer Night's Dream and Year 5 & 6 took part in The Tempest.

Additional Activities and Games

Why not encourage your child to play some games which are linked to the learning in school?  Follow the links below.