Garrett Lane, Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, M29 7EY

01942883340

enquiries@admin.garretthall.wigan.sch.uk

Garrett Hall Primary School

Dream and Believe, Learn and Achieve...

A A A

English

At Garrett Hall we use a variety of teaching and learning styles in English lessons.  Our aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in Literacy.  All children have the opportunity to experience a wide range of texts, in a variety of genre, and use a range of resources including ICT.  We plan a range of cross curricular experiences in English lessons and use English literature and novels so that children become immersed in Literacy.

In school and in our Nursery and Reception classes all the children have the opportunity to talk and communicate in a widening range of situations, to respond to adults and to each other, to listen carefully, and to practise and exchange their range of vocabulary and communication skills. They have the opportunity to explore, enjoy, learn about and use words and text in a range of situations. They develop English skills through a range of taught carpet sessions, group focused activities and continuous provision (Indoor and Outdoor) We aim to expose children to reading and writing in many areas of our continuous provision. 

We use the Bug Club Phonics programme that concentrates on developing children’s ability to read and write alongside developing speaking and listening skills, phonological awareness and oral blending and segmenting. This programme is  part of a broad and rich language curriculum that has speaking and listening at its centre, it links language with physical and practical experiences, and is supported by an environment rich in print and abundant in opportunities to engage with books. To support our children in reading proficiency we use a variety of reading schemes throughout the school.

We are committed to providing challenging learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the needs of the child. We achieve this through a range of strategies. In lessons this is through differentiated whole class and group work, and in some lessons we ask children to work from the same starting point before moving on to develop their own ideas.

We send home half termly "Pick & Mix' homework whereby the children have a choice about which activities they complete. There will be lots of English activities to choose on the pick and mix homework grid, which aim to develop children's skills in speaking and listening, drama, reading and writing. We aim to offer a broad range of English homework to engage and excite children. 

How can I help my child at home?

  • We ask that you read with your child each night at home (a minimum of 3 times per week)
  • Help your child to enjoy completing English homework tasks from our 'Pick & Mix' homework menus for each year group
  • Spend time each week with your child learning their spellings (Years 1-6) 
  • Practice writing in print in EYFS and pre-cursive in Year 1 and Year 2, using accurate letter formation.