Linthwaite Ardron CE (VA) Junior and Infant School

ENGLISH

What we are Working on in English at Linthwaite Ardron CE

As part of our school improvement plan we are working on English across the curriculum, with a focus on specific aspects such as;

securing phonic knowledge in all our children, enabling them to read age-appropriate texts with fluency and understanding
improving outcomes in English, so that we are in line, or better, than attainment nationally and so that our children are prepared for their next steps or stage of learning
developing a system for remote learning where learning and assessment of pupil progress leads to continued progression when children are not in school

Why are these our priorities?

Phonics –in 2018/2019, the Year One data showed results that were above Kirklees and national averages for the last 3 years, but a declining 3 year trend. Monitoring the impact of initiatives introduced to reverse this trend has been a priority, but this remains an area for continued development.
As the foundation for success across the wider curriculum, developing English skills will continue to be our priority across school and across the curriculum.
Key Stage Two – In 2018/2019, despite average progress in reading, writing and maths, attainment fell into the lowest quartile of schools. Pupils achieving R, W and M and pupils achieving the higher standard of R, W and M were also well below national standards. In 2019/ 2020, KS2 teacher assessment and regular monitoring showed significant improvement, but KS2 pupil attainment remains an area for continued development.
Key Stage One – In 2018/2019 data was consistent with LA. Maths was identified as a strength and writing, although in line with Kirklees, was the area identified for continued development. There has been a keen focus on tracking pupils so that they achieve expected levels in R, W and M and remains an area of continued development.
Remote learning needs to facilitate individual or whole class effective learning when children are unable to be at school in response to national concerns

DOCUMENTS & LINKED PAGES

English Skills Progression

English Curriculum Map

Intent/Implementation/Impact

Parental Reading Evening Powerpoint

Year Five Figurative language

As well as being super scientists in their 'Earth and Space' topic, Year Five have been using figurative language to creatively write some 'out of this world' poems about the moon. Using similes, metaphors, alliteration and personification, they have really conjured up some emotive images involving goddesses, wolves and motherhood to name just a few. 'One giant step' for their progress in writing; we are 'over the Moon' with these!

The Highway Man - Year 4 - Autumn 2021

Year Four English is centred around the famous Alfred Noyes poem, The Highway Man. The children have been exploring the language used in the poem and learning how to write extended noun phrases.

Handwriting

Congratulations and well done to the most recent recipients of Linthwaite Ardron's 'Golden Pen' awards. After spending last half term concentrating on forming a rounded, cursive script, they have finally passed our high standards of handwriting and have earned the honour of now being able to write in pen. We look forward to reading their beautifully presented writing across all subjects in school.

'Recommended Reads'

We are often asked for help in suggesting appropriate reading books for our children. Click the link below for some great book suggestions, sorted into year groups and with links to buy copies for yourself.

https://www.thereaderteacher.com/

English at linthwaite Ardron CE

Y5 Informal Letter Writing

Based upon their class reader 'Street Child', Y5 pupils have written in character as Jim Jarvis, the real life urchin who inspired Doctor Barnardo. Listen to our dramatic story tellers as they read out their letters.

Kirklees World Book Day Quiz

A big bookish congratulations is due to our literary bookworms of Year Five as they competed brilliantly in the Kirklees World Book Day Quiz recently.

Traditionally, this annual event takes place in Huddersfield Town Hall, but this year it was held virtually, with Linthwaite Ardron entering for the first time.

Since Spring, the two teams of four have been reading through a list of 21 set books of all genres, some with quite challenging subject matter and content. They were then tested on all these books, competing against eighteen other schools, including many high schools, as the competition was open to pupils up to year seven.

Winning a round and often being the first to answer the tie-breakers, Linthwaite Ardron’s teams showed a sound knowledge of all the books, worked brilliantly as a team in supporting and encouraging each other and should be ever so proud of their achievements.

Whilst Holmfirth High School emerged as overall winners, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon was had by all (especially Ms Starrett, who was chief cheerleader) and it was agreed that they would all carry on reading and return again next year.

Well done Lily, Olivia, Isabella, Ella, Jude, Olive, Edward and Estelle!

Examples of writing in Year 2

Please look at the photos below to see some examples of writing in Year 2 throughout the year. We have been working really hard to make sure our handwriting is neat, has the correct punctuation and uses interesting description.

World Book Day 2021

Everyone at Linthwaite Ardron celebrated World Book Day on March the 12th, with a fun and fabulous book-filled day.

Can you guess who Year Five have come dressed as?

As well as writing book reviews and blurbs, we had a whole school 'Guess Who?' quiz, a handwriting competition and designed our own favorite book covers.

Remote learning - Year Five reading comprehension - 'War Horse'

National Poetry Competition Winner

We have a prize-winning poet in our school! Congratulations to Kiki, winner of a national poetry competition organised by the Premier League and Primary All Stars earlier this summer.

Year Five all entered the poetry competition, set on the theme of ambition, using poet Karl Nova's poem 'Ambition' as their inspiration.

Kiki's poem impressed the judges so much that she won the Yorkshire and North of England region and her winning poem, on the theme of the environment, has been published in a book (read Kiki's fabulous published poem above). She shares her pages with footballing stars such as Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer, who have also contributed poems for the anthology.

Both Kiki and school have received fabulous prize goody bags full of books and stationary from the Premier League.

Year Five Informal Letter Writing

Year Five read the classic story 'Street Child' by Berlie Doherty, based on the real-life orphan Jim Jarvis, the penniless street child who inspired Dr Barnardo to form his charity.

In this writing they have written letters from the workhouse as Jim, begging to be rescued from the hell-hole. They are moving and emotive pieces of writing, please do have a read!

Please feel free to ask for paper copies of any information that you find on this
website from the school office.