Pupils in our Reception classes are introduced to the sounds of the alphabet through our scheme, Read Write Inc. They work in small, differentiated, teacher-led groups initially practising phonic sounds, but very quickly start handwriting and writing for a range of purposes, such as story writing, report writing and non-fiction writing which are based on the half termly topic using the Cornerstones scheme e.g dinosaurs, space, growing plants, habitats. In addition, they continue to develop their communication skills through role-play and language activities.

Pupils in Lower Prep have a daily Read Write Inc lesson. By the end of Form II, most children know all their phonic sounds and letters and are emerging as confident writers and spellers with a good grasp of basic grammar. The Read Write Inc scheme works methodically through the sounds, offering the children the chance to develop their skills independently and consistently. Children work in ability groups across the phase depending on their learning profile. This means that all children, regardless of chronological age, are working at their own personal ability level. An extended writing session is planned once a week which links directly to their Cornerstones topic. E.g. Pirates, Castles, Woodlands. This gives the children to opportunity to showcase their new phonic learning in a fun and engaging manner. Once children reach a suitable standard in reading, they are then moved onto the Accelerated Reader scheme which helps children to choose their next books based on their specific reading ability and provides consistent data to help enhance their progress and understanding.

Pupils in Middle Prep have a daily English lesson linked to both their class reader and their Cornerstones topic. Pupils in middle prep will read six books linked to their topics during the course of the year. E.g. Roald Dahl’s The Witches linked to the Heroes and Villians topic in Form III and The Thieves of Ostia linked to their Roman topic. This style of teaching enhances children’s interest and knowledge of books whilst developing their empathy for characters through historical events and developing their understanding of the world around them. Each half term, lessons include grammar, spelling, non-fiction, fiction and poetry.  Formal assessments in Reading, Grammar and Spelling take place in the Autumn and Summer terms. The Accelerated Reader scheme is used to monitor children’s reading and help them to choose books at their level from the library. Children take a quiz after each book they read and this counts towards their target. Children who reach their termly reading target receive a certificate and have their name added to the year group Accelerated Reader target display in the school corridor.

Pupils in Upper Prep have six English lessons a week linked to both their class reader and their Cornerstones topic. Pupils in Upper Prep will read three books linked to their topics during the course of the year. E.g. Berlie Doherty’s Streetchild linked to the Victorian topic in Form V and Michael Morpurgo’s Warhorse linked to the World War I topic in Form VI. This style of teaching enhances children’s interest and knowledge of books whilst developing their empathy for characters through historical events and developing their understanding of the world around them. Each half term, lessons include grammar, spelling, non-fiction, fiction and poetry. Formal assessments in Reading, Grammar and Spelling take place in the Autumn and Summer terms. Form VI sit the national SATs in May. The Accelerated Reader scheme is used to monitor children’s reading and help them to choose books at their level from the library. Children take a quiz after each book they read and this counts towards their target. Children who reach their termly reading target receive a certificate and have their name added to the year group Accelerated Reader target display in the school corridor.