Years 5 and 6

 

In Years 5 and 6 children are taught by specialist teachers of English.  Year 5 children are taught in mixed ability classes while Year 6 pupils are placed in sets according to their ability.

 

The classrooms are equipped with data projectors or interactive white boards.  This enables the children to experience some of the most up-to-date teaching, through the use of software and presentations.

 

Reading remains at the heart of the Year 5/6 curriculum and the children have an opportunity to study a variety of authors and poets including Eva Ibbotson, Michael Morpurgo, Pie Corbett and Valerie Bloom.  The novels, stories and poems studied form the basis of much of the fiction and poetry writing that is undertaken.  Many of the pupils enter writing competitions including the coveted 'Poet Laureate' award.

 

Pupils also develop their non-fiction writing to include more refined advertisements, newspaper articles, recounts, reports, discussions, instructions and formal and informal letter writing.  During these years children are also expected to extend their written comprehension skills as well as improving their understanding of grammar and spelling.

 

Speaking and listening skills are reinforced and extended in a wider forum through the childrens' participation in Speaking Competitions and through close links with the Drama Department.  These opportunities help to enrich the work of the English Department.

 

The majority of children attain Level 4 at the end of Year 6 whilst many aim for, and achieve, Level 5.  Continuous teacher assessment is used in conjunction with standardised reading, spelling and comprehension tests and end of year exams.  These aid planning and monitor pupils' progress and development.

 

Mrs C E Ruck, Head of English (Years 3 - 6)