English Curriculum intent:

To provide a broad and ambitious English curriculum, rich in skills and knowledge, which ignites curiosity and prepares our pupils well for future learning or employment.

Our English curriculum will give students the opportunity to:

• read complex passages confidently with rich vocabulary which challenge and inspire
• demonstrate mastery of reading through discussion, presentation and writing;
• enjoy a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts which help them to connect with the world around them;
• develop cultural capital that will help remove barriers to achievement in school, future learning and the world of work;
• write clearly, fluently and accurately in plain English, showing flair and creativity where appropriate;
• develop detailed ideas in writing, adapting language to audience and purpose;
• use a wide range of appropriate and ambitious vocabulary with precision;
• produce ‘beautiful work’ of which they can be proud;
• in talk, articulate and express their ideas, views and opinions about a wide range of topics clearly, confidently and respectfully;
• develop their character, including resilience, confidence and independence, so that they contribute positively to the life of the school, the community and the wider environment.

(Further information about Phonics can be found on the main 'Curriculum' page.)

Family Read

At Elsenham, each term we love having family members, or close family friends, in to school to read with our children. Dates for this academic year will be published in the weekly newsletter. 

Oracy

We started Spring Term with an Oracy assembly all about ‘Thunks’, and from now on as classes will be discussing the same weekly ‘Thunk’. 

Thunks are questions or statements that make the children think ... there are NO right or wrong answers. 

The children do, however, need to think about their answers and be able to justify them – in other words, they will not say the first thing that comes into their head, and, they must be fully prepared to explain their answers when they give them. During ‘Thunk’ time, they will listen to other peoples’ answers and be ready to discuss their ideas in a respectful and well-mannered way.

One such thunk could be, 'Should all door handles in the school be made from chocolate?'