Literacy

Writing at Salisbury Primary School

Writing at Salisbury Primary School is taught using an approach that is sequenced and enables children to produce work that is rich in language and well structured. Children are; given a ‘hook’ in order to engage them; taught the relevant punctuation and grammar; are exposed to a text to identify the features; plan their writing and finally, they have the writing process modelled to them by the teacher.

Writing is also linked to topics studied in other subjects (science, history, geography etc), meaning that children are familiar with the content and are able to transfer specific vocabulary into their writing. Children also complete a ‘cold piece ‘prior to the teaching and a ‘warm piece’ after the teaching has taken place, in order to show the progress that has been made. In the early years, children complete guided writing once a week with their teacher and have numerous opportunities to write independently during their child initiated learning.

Reading at Salisbury Primary School

Although this is explicitly taught across the school, we encourage all children to read for pleasure. Consequently, they have an opportunity to read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, from their class reading corners, which they can take to and from school and change once completed. To enhance the range of texts they have access to outside of school, and therefore their enjoyment of reading, they have access to Bug Club online.  Additionally, the school maintains a good relationship with the local library, which includes regular visits and arranging membership for children.

We actively encourage all parents to read with their children and ask that they record comments in their child’s reading record. Independent and individual reading is seen as a crucial aspect of the development of Literacy; therefore, in Key Stage 2 children are allowed to record their reading progress in their reading records, adding comments about the books they are reading. Some school books are graded according to ability and can also be read at home – children are encouraged to read every night.

Reading has a prominent place in the daily timetable. Though it is taught in every phase, its delivery is slightly different according to the children’s age / phase.