English

English as our medium of instruction underpins the majority of the timetabled curriculum at Kennedy School. We recognize and value the crucial role played by mother tongue languages in our students’ learning and development (our student body speaks around 40 languages); however, English is promoted and embraced as the common language of instruction and communication in our school community.

Curriculum

Our curriculum and teaching programmes are designed to meet the needs of our students as they engage with their learning and communicate with one another and a range of different audiences. The teaching and learning of English is organized according to the programmes defined in the Primary National Strategy for England and Wales and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Scope and Sequence document for Languages. We aim to promote a balance between expressive and receptive language learning and a wide range of opportunities for students to use and develop their skills as readers, writers, speakers and listeners.

Organisation

The teaching of English is organized into units which have a specific text type as their focus. The text types taught are Report, Recount, Exposition, Procedure, Explanation, Narrative and Poetry. Other areas, such as Play Scripts, Journalistic Writing and Letter Writing are taught as well. There is a balance between the different text types taught across the school but with Narrative and Recount featuring significantly in the learning experiences of our younger students.

Teaching is broken down into word, sentence and text level work. Word level work focuses on spelling and phonic understanding, as well as such areas as word origin and root words. Sentence level work focuses on grammar, punctuation and the basic structure of English. It also promotes an understanding of the different ‘parts of speech’ we use in English and the role each plays in effective communication. Text level work focuses on text organization and the overall purpose of the text. Literacy learning is supported by regular sessions of Guided Reading.

Students may also apply mathematical skills and knowledge during lessons with their class teacher as part of the Unit of Inquiry. This occurs when it enhances the teaching and learning of mathematical concepts and deepens the understanding of the central idea.

English is taught through stand alone English lessons and reinforced through the Units of Inquiry. Learning is enhanced by offering opportunities for students to apply their communication skills in ‘real life’ settings.

At Kennedy children are encouraged to appreciate the relevance of English to their learning and to their everyday lives. We aim to foster a love of books (both fiction and non-fiction) and reading as an enjoyable pastime as well as a means of gathering information. This is promoted through class and library sessions and is further enhanced by parent involvement in reading at home.