English

English is at the heart of our curriculum and prepares children for lifelong learning. 

We believe that English is fundamental to the overall development of all children, and we aim to deliver quality teaching of reading, writing and spoken English within a broad and balanced curriculum.  We provide an education that ensures that children can communicate ideas and emotions effectively, and which enables them to become confident and successful in their learning journeys. 

The school follows the National Curriculum 2014 in Key Stage 1 and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum in Nursery and Reception. 

English focuses on the skills of developing spoken language, reading and writing. A mixture of whole-class, group and individual teaching takes place as appropriate to suit pupils’ differing learning styles. A wide range of texts are used to stimulate the varied interests of the children.

The skills developed in English lessons are applied, practised and consolidated in other areas of the curriculum.

At Netherton, children are taught through discussion and practical activities, focused spelling and grammar tasks, guided and individual reading, handwriting, comprehension and focused reading and writing activities. Children are assessed internally in English at the end of Year 2 through teacher assessment. They are also externally assessed in Year 1 in the summer term on their specific phonic knowledge. Should children not meet the required standard to pass, then they will be reassessed the following year.