English - Writing
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.
At DILS we follow the 'Essential Writing' programme from HFL Education for writing. Please see the Essential Writing overview below for more details.
Handwriting
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.
