Inspired by: Blodin The Beast - Curriculum Objectives
English Resource Description
Within the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the English language through the exploration of root words, prefixes, and suffixes, also known as etymology and morphology. This knowledge aids them in reading new words aloud and comprehending their meanings. They also learn to read exception words, which have unique spellings that don't always match their sounds, and are taught to use dictionaries to verify word meanings. Cultivating a positive attitude towards reading is essential, and this is achieved by engaging with a diverse array of literary forms, including fiction, poetry, plays, non-fiction, and reference materials. Familiarity with a broad spectrum of books, such as fairy tales and myths, is increased, and students are encouraged to discuss and perform poems and plays to enhance their understanding of language and its effects.
Writing skills are developed through planning, drafting, evaluating, and editing their work. Students learn to plan by discussing and recording ideas, and by examining texts similar to those they intend to write. They draft by composing sentences orally, building a rich vocabulary, and structuring sentences in a variety of ways. Organisation of paragraphs and narrative elements like setting and plot are also key aspects of their writing. Editing involves assessing and improving their own and others' writing, with attention to grammar and vocabulary. Reading their work aloud helps them understand the importance of intonation and volume in conveying meaning. Additionally, pupils are taught grammatical concepts and appropriate use of punctuation, such as commas after fronted adverbials and possessive apostrophes. They also learn to join letters in handwriting to improve legibility and quality. Through the study of texts like "Blodin the Beast" by Michael Morpurgo, they engage in activities that include comprehension, reading, composition, and discussions that further their understanding of narrative structure and language use.