Literacy and English
We have been heavily involved with the Glasgow City Council Improvement Challenge since it started in 2015. As with most schools, it is important to revisit elements of Reading, Writing, as well as Listening & Talking to ensure our staff have the most up-to-date advice and strategies to best support the needs of all our learners.
Reading:
Reading is a critical tool for lifelong learning and our main aims are to encourage and teach children to read fluently with expression and understanding and to develop a love for books. We use the PM Benchmark tool and Read Write Inc assessment tools to analyse each child’s individual level of fluency and understanding. The children then choose a book to match their personal level of ability. The children bring this book home to read with parents/carers and discuss the content. In class, during daily enhanced reading sessions, the children read to peers and ask/answer questions about their text and the text of others. The children’s progress is assessed by the class teacher and move levels appropriately. Reading skills taught are also assessed in other areas of the curriculum.
Phonics and Spelling
The earliest stages of reading focus on learning the letter names and sounds. We use Read, Write, Inc. Phonics to support children with this learning. We use Prim-Ed Spelling as a whole school progressive and active spelling programme. Phonics and spelling is assessed regularly through their writing. We encourage Self and Peer assessment as well as regular Teacher feedback.
Writing:
Writing skills include handwriting and creative writing. In handwriting, we use the Nelson Handwriting scheme. In creative writing, there are two areas: fiction and non-fiction. Here are some types of writing in each area:
Non-Fiction Fiction
Persuasive Imaginative
Report Poetry
Procedural Play scripts
Explanation Personal
Discursive
We use PM Writing methodology alongside Glasgow City Council’s ‘Literacy for All’ strategies to support the children’s skills.
TALKING AND LISTENING:
We encourage children to express themselves confidently in the spoken word by creating opportunities in drama, discussion, story-telling, games, poetry, speech-making and listening skills. We use a variety of resources. Languages: Knowing other languages and understanding other cultures is a 21st century skill set for students as they prepare to live and work in a global society.
MODERN LANGUAGES IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL
In Wellshot Primary almost all teachers are now qualified to teach French as a foreign language. Teaching begins in P1 and is carried on into P.7. Other languages are introduced informally in assemblies.
Makaton
Lots of staff undertook training in Level 1 Makaton. This happened in their own personal time to further support the development of a Language and Communication Friendly Establishment (LCfE).
