Twiss Green Community Primary School

English

The overarching intent for English at Twiss Green 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. We are committed to providing high-quality education in English which we will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually.
 

At Twiss Green , it is our aim to ensure that all pupils:

  • read easily, fluently and with good understanding

  • develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information

  • acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

  • appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

  • write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences

  • use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas

  • are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate

Phonics and Early Reading - Little Wandle
Please click on the logo below to visit the TG Phonics and Early Reading section of the school website and find out more about our Synthetic Programme 'Little Wandle'. 
Writing (Read to Write)

Our writing curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children. We follow the award-winning Ready Steady Write from Literacy Counts to develop confident, independent and successful writers with high aspirations. Our writing curriculum is research-informed and impact-proven, carefully designed to support all children to master the foundational skills and write for a clear audience and purpose. Through the use of high-quality, vocabulary-rich texts, we provide exciting and meaningful reasons to write. Children are immersed in literature and taught to craft their writing with precision, using a range of pedagogical approaches, including sentence accuracy, modelled writing and shared writing, as well as regular opportunities for editing. We value spoken language as a foundation for writing. Through structured talk, drama and vocabulary exploration, children learn how to organise and express their ideas clearly before writing them down. Our aim is for every child – regardless of need – to write fluently and take pride in their work. We want our pupils to leave primary school as enthusiastic writers, ready for the next stage of their education.

What is in the Ready Steady Write units?
  • Clear Sequential Episodes of Learning
  • Example Texts (greater depth WAGOLL)
  • Learning Objectives that link to the teaching sequence (Immerse, Analyse, Plan Write) 
  • Vocabulary Learning
  • Contextualised Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation
  • Sentence Accuracy Work 
  • Progressions Documents with Year Group Expectations
  • Example Planning Format
  • Wider Reading for the Wider Curriculum
  • Explicit Links to the National Curriculum

 

Vehicle Texts (Reception - Year 6 )
Useful resources

Spelling (Ready Steady Spell)

Our spelling curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children. In Y2-Y6, we follow the award-recognised Ready Steady Spell by Literacy Counts to ensure that all pupils become fluent, accurate spellers. Our spelling curriculum is research-informed and impact-proven, helping children secure the essential skills and strategies they need to spell confidently across the curriculum. Through engaging activities, consistent teaching routines and regular opportunities to revisit prior learning, we help children move spelling knowledge into their long-term memory. Our aim is to build confident writers who are equipped with the tools they need to communicate clearly and effectively. Spelling is taught in a clear and systematic way, with regular reviews and assessments. Additional support is provided through Ready Steady Spell: Go sessions, which offer targeted intervention for pupils who need further consolidation.

Reading (Steps to Read)
Shared reading is a teaching tool that allows reading to be taught on a whole class basis. The texts are high quality and pitched to a higher level than what children could access independently to push the learning forward.
Each lesson has 4 parts and is taught the same way consistently throughout the school.
What is Steps to Read?

 

  • Is sequenced, coherent and progressive
  • Uses language-rich texts for vocabulary teaching
  • Includes all elements of comprehension, taught sequentially across an academic year
  • Has a clear focus on the skills and strategies needed to be a proficient and confident reader
  • Uses engaging texts to promote a life-long love of reading
  • Includes poetry, non-fiction and fiction that enhances knowledge learning across the curriculum

 

Reading Plus

Reading Plus is an online teaching program which is proven to improve children's reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary in Y5 and Y6.

The children complete an initial assessment which ensures that work is set at the correct level for them. They then read a range of texts within their level and answer comprehension question about what they have read. Special vocabulary tasks support them to increase their word knowledge.

Children in Year 5 and Year 6 use Reading Plus regularly in school and are also expected to access the activities at home.

Reading for Pleasure at Twiss Green 
Our pupils and staff have worked hard over the last half year to promote love of 'Reading for Pleasure' across our school community. Each class has a fantastic reading area for the children to enjoy. Click on the link below to access our half termly Reading Newsletter, suggested books for each year group and much more!