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English at Mayfield
The school follows the Primary Framework for Literacy which covers the key aspects of speaking and listening, reading and writing in 12 core strands. We promote an enjoyment of English through learning about a variety of text styles and writing purposes and drawing from the children’s experiences to help children develop as confident readers and writers and enable them to use their skills across the curriculum as an effective means of communication.
A recent pupil survey, Dec 2008, proved that most pupils (girls and boys) enjoy writing at Mayfield (especially stories and poems)!
We teach children to use language as effectively as they can in a wide variety of situations, including annual opportunities for dramatised productions. Children are introduced to many types of literature including fiction, non-fiction and poetry; formal and informal; pupils are taught about their range of audiences. They are encouraged to read widely at home and school and improve upon their individual literacy targets.
We use a variety of teaching methods to teach writing and reading. These mainly include shared and guided writing and reading. We also teach spelling alongside reading through visual and synthetic phonics. All KS1 and lower KS2 classes have regular planned phonics sessions. All classes have paired reading or writing sessions. This could be another class or class buddy.
Punctuation, grammar and key vocabulary are taught as part of the weekly text level work. Handwriting is taught alongside spelling and phonics practice. Children are encouraged to take pride in their presentation of their work.
Library/ICT
At Mayfield we value our library. It is an important way of promoting reading for pleasure in a friendly environment. The school has a wonderfully equipped library which can be used for whole class and group work as well as for research type activities and e-books with ICT facilities. Staff, parents and children can select library books for school and home use. The library is also open at lunchtimes for pupils to come and enjoy the pleasure of quiet reading or ICT type activities.
Y6 Journalism (News Team)
Our News Team are a selected group of enthusiastic year 6 pupils who research, interview and discuss current affairs for the school and pupils’ interest. They regularly meet, forming a team with many different roles and responsibilities. A weekly newsletter is printed on behalf of the team ad this is circulated to all pupils. For the News Team, the use of the library and ICT at lunchtimes is invaluable.
Reading and Writing Lunchtime Clubs
Children are welcome to join the Reading and Creative Writing lunchtime clubs which run weekly for KS2 pupils. Pupils can work individually , in pairs or in groups and these sessions are led by teachers. This is a supplementary and enjoyable experience for pupils who wish to attend.
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