English
The English Curriculum at Queen's Drive Primary School underpins each and every subject, supporting our children's abilities to become knowledgeable through reading widely, seeing themselves as 'real writers' and communicating confidently. Books are central to learning wherever possible supported by class libraries and two libraries. We aim to inspire and challenge our children to speak and write fluently, enabling them to effectively communicate their ideas and emotions to others.
Reading
We hope our pupils will foster a life-long love of reading, providing them with the opportunity to explore new ideas, visit new places and meet new characters. Through reading, pupils have the chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. The children are encouraged to read widely, exploring both fiction and non-fiction texts, which introduces them to new and exciting vocabulary.
Please visit our phonics page for further information on strategies used to develop our children as confident and independent readers.
Writing
At Queen’s Drive, writing is taught through transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing). In Key Stage 1, children are taught spelling through learning to segment in phonics sessions. From Year 2, the children learn and are encouraged to explore spelling rules. This continues through Key Stage 2, leading to their development as independent and accurate spellers, who are confident with adventurous vocabulary.
The children are provided with varying stimulus such as drama and reading, to support their ideas for writing. Each year group has mapped out writing opportunities which culminate in scaffolded and independent writing, rich with vocabulary and varying grammatical skills.
Speaking and Listening
At Queen’s Drive, spoken language permeates the entire curriculum and underpins the development of reading and writing right from Early Years. Children are encouraged, through drama sessions, to adopt roles and further develop a character's thoughts and feelings, which enhances the children's writing abilities. Through developing their communication skills, the children are preparing themselves for future life.
The subject leaders for English are Mrs. Higgs and Mrs. Robertson.