English

Reading

Reading has an extremely high status at Betty Layward. We strongly believe that the ability to read is fundamental to pupils becoming lifelong, independent learners. Confidence and fluency in reading is the key to independent learning. Through the Destination Reader programme, children are taught to become enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers.  We celebrate and encourage children to read for pleasure through World Book Day activities, our well-resourced and welcoming school library as well as various other reading incentives like: The Extreme Reading Challenge, books swaps, book clubs and partner reading between classes. We provide our children with a wide range of quality fiction and non-fiction texts to promote reading across the curriculum.

Writing

At Betty Layward, writing is taught explicitly in daily English lessons and through other subjects. Children are encouraged to see writing as a means of purposeful communication and a powerful channel for self-expression. When teaching spelling we use the No Nonsense Spelling programme which encourages children to not only learn the rules spelling but to ‘Have A Go.’ In EYFS and KS1 children are taught phonics through the Read, Write Ink programme which teaches children the phonetic building blocks of works to support their reading and writing. At Betty Layward, we strive to give children opportunities to become creative writers through: The BBC Radio 2, 500-word story competition, World Book Day activities and school poetry and story competitions.

To view English National Curriculum: Programmes of Study KS1 & KS2

Well done to all those who entered the 500 words competition this year.

Please find below some brilliant examples of our children’s submissions:

500 Words – Gwynne – Year 1 Lavender

500 Words – Jack – Year 2 Apricot

500 Words – Juno – Year 2 Peach

500 Words – Trixie – Year 4 Fuschia

500 Words – Woody – Year 5 Buttercup

500 Words – Marta – Year 6 Chilli

Betty Layward Primary School has given students the opportunity to enter this fantastic competition! There are great prizes available – and the competition is open until the 22nd February. For all details please visit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4h26FXFQ4KfMV7VVSbJxY3g/500-words-2018

Please find below some brilliant examples of our children’s submissions:

500 Words – Year 3 Emerald – Tommy

500 Words – Arlo – Year 3 Jade

500 Words – Year 4 – Manon

500 Words – Year 6 Ruby – Patrick

500 Words – Year 6 Ruby – Freja

500 Words – Year 6 Ruby – Daniela

500 Words – Year 6 Ruby – Betsy

500 Words – Year 6 Ruby – Audrey

500 Words – Year 6 Chilli – Joe

500 Words – Rosa May – Year 6 Chilli

We wish all of our children the best of luck – we have enjoyed teaching this unit of work, and the entire staff are proud of the children’s efforts.

Michael Buck
English Lead