English
At Bassingbourn, we want every pupil to become a confident reader, writer and speaker who loves books and language. English is at the heart of our curriculum, giving pupils the skills to learn in every subject and to share their ideas with the world. Phonics has its own page.
On this page: Reading | Writing | Spelling | Handwriting | Speaking and listening
Reading
Children learn to read through Read Write Inc. Phonics, followed by Read Write Inc. Comprehension. Once they have completed both programmes, pupils move on to Pathways to Read in Key Stage 2, where whole-class lessons build vocabulary, fluency and a deep understanding of high-quality texts.
We want every pupil to love reading. To help, we:
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Read aloud to every class each day at Class Reader time, from our Reading Spine of carefully chosen books
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Visit our school library every week
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In Key Stage 2, use Accelerated Reader to help pupils choose books at the right level
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Use reading records to share each child's reading between home and school
We encourage every child to read at home every day. Even ten minutes together makes a real difference.
Writing
We teach writing using Pathways to Write, from Reception to Year 6. Each unit is built around a high-quality book, and pupils learn the grammar, punctuation and vocabulary they need to write with purpose for a real audience.
Across each unit, pupils explore the text, practise key skills, plan and draft their writing, then edit and improve it. By the end of Year 6, we want every pupil to write confidently in a range of forms, from stories and poems to letters and reports.
Spelling
In Reception, children learn to spell using Fred Fingers as part of their daily phonics lessons. From Year 1, spelling is taught through Spelling Shed from EdShed, which builds on phonics and follows the National Curriculum spelling rules. Pupils can also practise their weekly spellings at home through Spelling Shed games.
Handwriting
We teach handwriting using Ruth Miskin's handwriting programme, which links closely to Read Write Inc. Phonics. Children learn to form each letter correctly using simple phrases, then build speed and fluency as they move through the school.
Speaking and listening
Speaking and listening, or oracy, runs through everything we do. In every Pathways to Write unit, pupils talk about texts, rehearse ideas aloud and perform their writing. Across the school day, pupils share ideas with a partner, take part in discussions, ask questions and present to others.
English for every pupil
In English, high-quality texts, clear modelling and plenty of talk help every pupil take part and succeed. Teachers use visual prompts, word banks and sentence stems to support reading and writing. Lessons are adapted for pupils with SEND, so they can take part fully. For those ready for more challenge, teachers encourage richer vocabulary, deeper analysis of texts and more ambitious writing.
You can find out more about our approach in our SEND Information Report.
Beyond the classroom
Author visits and live webinars bring pupils face to face with real writers, and we celebrate World Book Day across the school. Pupils also take part in the Summer Reading Challenge and in writing competitions throughout the year.
