Effective learning and teaching in literacy and English:

Literacy is fundamental to all areas of learning, as it unlocks access to the wider curriculum. Being literate increases opportunities in all aspects of life and lays the foundations for lifelong learning and work.

Throughout their education, children and young people should experience an environment which is rich in language and which sets high expectations for literacy and the use of language. Children and young people need to spend time with stories, literature and other texts which will enrich their learning, develop their language skills and enable them to find enjoyment. Spoken language has particular importance in the early years. Teachers will balance play-based learning with more systematic development and learning of skills and techniques for reading, including phonics.

At St Francis, we aim to deliver effective learning and teaching in Literacy and English, making learning visible and a ensuring a skilful mix of appropriate approaches are utilised, including:

• the use of relevant, real-life and enjoyable contexts which build upon children and young people’s own experiences, ensuring that there are meaningful links for learners across different curriculum areas
• effective direct and interactive teaching, ensuring, the appropriate and effective use of ICT.
• a balance of spontaneous play and planned activities
• harnessing the motivational benefits of following children and young people’s interests through responsive planning
• collaborative working and independent thinking and learning ensuring the development of problem-solving skills and approaches
• building on the principles of Assessment is for Learning
• frequent opportunities to communicate in a wide range of contexts, for relevant purposes and for real audiences within and beyond places of learning

The balance between these approaches will vary at different stages and across different sectors and areas of the curriculum.

 

 

All our classes regularly visit Port Glasgow library.