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At Miriam Lord we want our pupils to speak, read and write effectively so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions effectively with others. Pupils will develop a love of reading to acquire knowledge and develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. 

 

The aim of writing at Miriam Lord is: 

  • To develop fluent readers who read widely and often for both information and pleasure; 

  • To develop a wide spoken and written vocabulary; 

  • To write for a range of different purposes, using the appropriate language and style; 

  • To speak and explain their ideas and thoughts clearly to others. 

 

English Throughout School

At Miriam Lord Primary School, we use the CLPE (Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) Power of Reading Scheme to guide our English curriculum, fostering a love for literature and enhancing literacy skills across all year groups. These resources help teachers to deliver English lessons creatively and effectively, putting quality children’s books at the heart of all learning. 

 

Core Principles 

We immerse students in a literature-rich environment using high-quality texts, carefully selected for their literary merit and diverse themes. These texts span various genres and cultural contexts, ensuring broad exposure to different writing styles and perspectives. Reading and writing activities are closely linked. Students engage deeply with texts through discussion, role-play, and creative responses, which inspire their own writing. Whole-class teaching approaches, where texts are explored collaboratively, promote communal learning and critical discussion. This ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can access and enjoy rich literary experiences. 

 

Teaching Strategies 

Each book serves as a springboard for a range of engaging activities, including drama, art, and creative writing. These activities are designed to develop comprehension, inference, and critical thinking skills. While literature is central, systematic phonics and spelling instruction are embedded within English lessons. This ensures that foundational skills in decoding and encoding are consistently reinforced. Students write in various formats inspired by their reading. They might compose stories, poems, diaries, or letters, which helps them understand different writing purposes and audiences. 

 

Classroom Practices 

Oral language development is prioritised through discussion. Students participate in book talk, debates, and presentations, which help articulate their ideas and listen to others, enhancing their comprehension and critical thinking. 

 

Art and drama are integrated into the literacy lessons. For example, students might create visual story maps or act out scenes from a book, which deepens their engagement and understanding of the text.  

Continuous assessment through observations, discussions, and written work informs instruction. Feedback is timely and constructive, aimed at guiding students towards improving their literacy skills. 

 

Learning Environment

Working walls are interactive and evolving displays that support the learning journey in each classroom. These walls serve as visual aids, showcasing key vocabulary, literary devices, and student contributions, while illustrating the step-by-step writing process. They foster engagement and comprehension by providing constant reference points and celebrating student progress. By incorporating student input and facilitating continuous teacher reference, working walls create a dynamic and collaborative learning environment that enhances literacy development and nurtures a love for reading and writing. 

 

English in EYFS 

In the Early Years, the CLPE Power of Reading approach fosters early literacy skills through interactive storytelling, role-play, and creative art projects based on high-quality picture books. Phonics instruction is integrated with playful, hands-on activities, and children are encouraged to discuss stories, building their vocabulary and comprehension. Classrooms feature inviting book corners, and parents are involved in reading activities.  

 

Outcomes and Impact 

Students demonstrate improved reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing abilities. The scheme fosters a deep appreciation for literature and an understanding of diverse cultural narratives. By engaging with a variety of texts and expressive activities, students gain confidence in their abilities and develop a lifelong love for reading and writing. 

 

Professional Development 

Staff receive regular training on the CLPE Power of Reading strategies, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively and creatively. 

 

Teachers work together to plan lessons collaboratively during staff meetings, share best practices, and reflect on the impact of their teaching, fostering a collaborative professional environment. 

 

By following the CLPE Power of Reading Scheme, Miriam Lord Primary School creates a dynamic and inclusive English curriculum that nurtures students' literacy development and inspires a passion for reading and writing. 

 

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