English
English at DILS encourages students to read widely for pleasure and, ultimately, to use literature as a gateway to access the world and its different viewpoints and perspectives. Our aim is to develop analytical reading and critical thinking skills that will enable students to discover, evaluate and critique the texts that they engage with. Moreover, we'll strive to build a fluency in written and oral communication so that students are equipped to explore and present their thoughts, feelings and viewpoints and to produce students who have the confidence, articulacy, creativity and skills to contribute to their societies.
Why is English important?
English forms the basis for our development, relationships, and our understanding of the world around us. The study of English is key to our personal growth and, through the development of effective written and spoken communication, it is the foundation for all our learning. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils who do not learn to speak, read, and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.
Our English curriculum is developed to equip our pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for pleasure. Only by immersing our pupils in rich reading materials can they develop their own language capacities – the depth of their vocabulary, their handling of grammatical structures, their comprehension skills, their ability to write with a strong voice, and with confidence. Our curriculum supports students in becoming effective communicators who understand the need to adjust the language they use to meet different contexts.
Reading
At DILS we follow the 'Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised' programme.
You can find further information about our phonics scheme of work on the Little Wandle Parents page. Their resources will assist you in helping your child pronounce their sounds and write their letters. You'll also find helpful videos that demonstrate how they are taught in school, allowing you to confidently support their reading at home. This page includes valuable videos that illustrate how to pronounce the sounds from various phases, as well as the tricky words introduced in each year group.
Little Wandle Support for Parents
Reception Tricky Words - Phase 2
Reception Tricky Words - Phase 3
Reception Tricky Words - Phase 4
Pronunciation guide - Autumn 1
Pronunciation guide - Autumn 2
Writing
At DILS we follow the 'Read to Write' programme from Literacy Counts.
EYFS and Year 1
In the early years and in Year 1 our children are taught to write using our phonics scheme of work: Little Wandle. Teachers at DILS use the Little Wandle handwriting guide and letter formation phrases.
Year 2
In Year 2 children continue to use the Little Wandle handwriting for letter formation in the first part of the Autumn term. After the half-term, children in Year 2 are taught and expected to use pre-cursive handwriting.
Year 3 and 4
In Year 3 and 4 children are taught and expected to use continuous cursive handwriting. When teaching continuous cursive handwriting, we use the letter families and letter formation phrases introduced to the children in Year 2.
