On this page you will find lots of information about how we teach English at Onchan School. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your child's class teacher.
Literacy
At Onchan School we use the Literary Curriculum as the basis for our Literacy planning. All of our lessons as based on a particular book and are adapted for the needs of each individual child.
As well as teaching valuable English skills (Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening), this approach also helps to foster a love of reading and an excitement in sharing new stories.
For more information about the Literary Curriculum please follow the link to their website: Literary Curriculum Website
Phonics
We follow our own Onchan Phonics Scheme from the beginning of Foundation Stage right through to the end of Year 2. The children are taught that the English Language is a code to crack and that Phonics is teaching them the skills to do this. They understand that there are many sounds in the English Language and we have codes to learn to be able to read them.
The children are taught how to decode words for reading and encode words for spelling. They are assessed regularly and phonics learning is sent home weekly.
Each classroom has an Alphabetic Code Chart on display - Alphabetic Code Chart
Spelling
We use Spelling Shed to help with the teaching of spelling and spelling rules. Children love playing the games and taking ownership of their own learning. They are encouraged to apply spellings they have learned into all of their writing. Spelling Shed also allows children to continue practising at home, helping to ensure learning is fully embedded.
Handwriting
At Onchan School we use the Twinkl Handwriting scheme and explicitly teach handwriting. During Foundation Stage and Key Stage One this is taught through Phonics, but in Key Stage Two this becomes a separate stand alone lesson.
All children in KS2 are taught cursive handwriting on a weekly basis. However, children are not expected to write with cursive handwriting as long as their letters are formed correctly and is legible. This is so that children can develop their own handwriting style.
Blogs
Autumn 2023 Book Recommendations
Spring 2024 Book Recommendations