Writing
Throughout their time at Warren Farm, the children will write for a range of purposes and audiences. The skills and knowledge for the different types of writing are taught through looking at examples (both good and bad) and through teacher modelling.
Across the school the children use class novels as a stimulus for writing. The novels are chosen carefully to ensure that the children enjoy both the experience of having high-quality literature read to them and also having the opportunity to read the books independently. The novels cover a range of genres ensuring that the children are exposed to books that they might not choose for themselves. Furthermore, the books are selected both to entertain the children and encourage a love of reading as well as to extend children’s vocabulary.
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
The ability to spell, punctuate and to use appropriate grammar is an integral part of writing. These skills are taught as part of any lesson that involves a written outcome but they are also taught in isolation where spelling patterns, National Curriculum words, punctuation and grammar are the main focus. Once a skill has been taught and the children have had the opportunity to practise it, they are then tasked to include it in their independent writing.
Spelling of the National Curriculum words is taught weekly in Key Stage 2 and reinforced through activities in literacy.
Speaking and listening
At Warren Farm we promote and teach speaking and listening by:
- Encouraging pupils to take part in small-group and whole-class discussions.
- Encouraging pupils to ask relevant questions.
- Encouraging pupils to provide answers to questions that are well thought out and that they can justify.
- Prompting children to use Standard English.
- Ensuring that children feel able to contribute to discussions knowing that their contributions will be welcomed and respected.
- Helping children to develop an ‘ever-growing’ vocabulary.
- Giving pupils the opportunity to take part in debates, acknowledging alternative viewpoints, and presenting their own counterarguments in a polite and respectful manner.
Assessment of Progress in English
We constantly monitor the progress made by all children; we do this through both formal and informal assessments. If necessary, children receive additional support to help them achieve and make appropriate progress. This additional support can include the use of differentiated resources, extra adult support in class and additional adult supported learning opportunities. Interventions to help children who need it include: Rapid Phonics, Talk Boost and Switch on Reading. We also access external professional support when required.
Key Stage 1 2026 English Overview