Language Literacy and Communication
LLC is a core subject and from September 2022 will be classified as one of the six Areas of Learning and Experiences under the new curriculum for Wales.
There are 4 what matters statements. These statements aim to support learning across the whole curriculum and to enable learners to gain knowledge and skills in Welsh, English and international languages as well as in literature.
The four statements that express what matters in this Area should be addressed holistically. This means that different languages should be explored in relation to one another, so too the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. It also means that learning about and through literature should be seen as contributing to all aspects of learning about languages. The statements support and complement one another and together they contribute to realising the four purposes of the curriculum.
Reading
In foundation Phase ‘Rigby Star’ reading scheme is used and books and word cards are sent home weekly for pupils to practice reading skills. Pupils have a reading record book which is used throughout Foundation Phase. In KS2 group reading activities take place weekly.
Bug Club is used throughout the school for pupils to further develop their enjoyment of reading at home and in school.
Library
All pupils have the opportunity to visit the library and choose a library book to take home. In foundation Phase this maybe a picture book that parents could read to the children and further up the school there is a wide range of chapter books and novels to choose from.
Phonics
The Jolly Phonics scheme is used throughout Foundation phase. The Jolly Phonics jingles and actions are used and shared with parents. We use the RWI letter formation stories to support pupils with correct formation. Jolly grammar is used towards the end of Foundation Phase and in lower KS2 classes.
Big Write
The target booklets will focus on the mechanics of writing. The things we are always looking for. Children must know their writing target and be able to talk about where in their writing book they have practised this skill. Remind children of targets and ask children to check work for targeted area at the end. E.g. I have used a capital letter, I have used a variety of words for said, I have formed the letter b correctly, I have used speech marks etc. Target booklets should be kept inside the pupils writing booklets and should be included in any book look/monitoring activities. Target booklets are used from Y2 upwards.
Writing books in FPH
Learners are actively encouraged to use and apply their Literacy skills across the curriculum. Therefore, during afternoon sessions, when learners are involved in Missions, TAGs and mini-topic related work, pupils are given opportunities to use their skills within other subject areas e.g. designing an exhibit for your WW2 class museum. In Foundation Phase pupils are encouraged to use their literacy skills when accessing missions independently throughout the day.
Drama and oracy activities are carefully planned for to ensure a rich balance of literacy activities across all classes and to enhance final pieces of writing.
LLC is a core subject and from September 2022 will be classified as one of the six Areas of Learning and Experiences under the new curriculum for Wales.
There are 4 what matters statements. These statements aim to support learning across the whole curriculum and to enable learners to gain knowledge and skills in Welsh, English and international languages as well as in literature.
The four statements that express what matters in this Area should be addressed holistically. This means that different languages should be explored in relation to one another, so too the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. It also means that learning about and through literature should be seen as contributing to all aspects of learning about languages. The statements support and complement one another and together they contribute to realising the four purposes of the curriculum.
- Languages connect us
- Understanding languages is key to understanding the world around us.
- Expressing ourselves through languages is key to communication.
- Literature fires imagination and inspires creativity.
Reading
In foundation Phase ‘Rigby Star’ reading scheme is used and books and word cards are sent home weekly for pupils to practice reading skills. Pupils have a reading record book which is used throughout Foundation Phase. In KS2 group reading activities take place weekly.
Bug Club is used throughout the school for pupils to further develop their enjoyment of reading at home and in school.
Library
All pupils have the opportunity to visit the library and choose a library book to take home. In foundation Phase this maybe a picture book that parents could read to the children and further up the school there is a wide range of chapter books and novels to choose from.
Phonics
The Jolly Phonics scheme is used throughout Foundation phase. The Jolly Phonics jingles and actions are used and shared with parents. We use the RWI letter formation stories to support pupils with correct formation. Jolly grammar is used towards the end of Foundation Phase and in lower KS2 classes.
Big Write
- A build-up of activities has taken place prior to the Big Write
- No pressure for weekly big writes, some genres may take longer
- Writing Book
- WMG Grid
- Set the scene: Scented candles and relaxing music
- Provide word banks, dictionaries, wow words, plans etc to enable children to work independently with success.
- Brain breaks that provide opportunities to refer to the WMG Grid. (Pupils to share one or two examples)
- Plan carefully for early finishers, so that they don’t disturb others.
- Think about class incentives e.g. grapes/chocolate Heroes
- The class teacher to be actively walking around, prompting and supporting and writing feed forward questions.
- Ensure that all pupils have a feed forward comment to respond to, which has allowed them to move forward in their learning.
- Take care to ensure that it’s not a copying up in best session.
- The expectation is that pupils finish the piece of writing within the time but with a few exceptions
The target booklets will focus on the mechanics of writing. The things we are always looking for. Children must know their writing target and be able to talk about where in their writing book they have practised this skill. Remind children of targets and ask children to check work for targeted area at the end. E.g. I have used a capital letter, I have used a variety of words for said, I have formed the letter b correctly, I have used speech marks etc. Target booklets should be kept inside the pupils writing booklets and should be included in any book look/monitoring activities. Target booklets are used from Y2 upwards.
Writing books in FPH
- The writing books are for extended pieces of writing completed in the teacher’s bubble.
- Your writing books will showcase the standards of writing in your class and show a range of writing across the curriculum throughout the year.
- One piece of RE and Welsh writing per half term to be evidenced in the writing books.
- Our Marking Policy clearly states that there must be a WMG Grid and a prompt question for every piece of writing. This part of the policy must be adhered to.
- The purpose of the prompt question is to impact on the piece of writing.
- Continue to highlight spelling of HF words or topic words to practise by using sp at end of work. Max of 3 (Try not to deface work by correcting every spelling mistake)
- There will also be evidence of prompt questions and WMG grids in your topic books.
- No Sheets of any kind to be stuck in writing books.
- The writing books are for Big Writes which could include English, RE, Welsh or Science extended pieces of writing.
- You may want to complete extended pieces of Welsh/Science in your afternoon bubble session if you wish e.g. the write up of a science investigation or an extended piece of Welsh writing such as a letter, biography etc. Any other science or Welsh activities would go in your Topic Book.
- Any piece of writing which is part of the journey/preparation to the Big Write i.e. activities completed during the literacy morning bubble would go in your Topic Book. These are not final pieces of extended writing that the children have been working towards throughout the week; these are shorter activities to enhance the Big Write.
- Your writing books will showcase the standards of writing in your class and show a range of writing across the curriculum throughout the year.
- Our Marking Policy clearly states that there must be a WMG Grid and a prompt question for every piece of writing. This part of the policy must be adhered to.
- The purpose of the prompt question is to impact on the piece of writing.
- Continue to highlight spelling of HF words or topic words to practise by using sp at end of work. Max of 3 (Try not to deface work by correcting every spelling mistake)
- There will also be evidence of prompt questions and WMG grids in your topic books.
- No Sheets of any kind to be stuck in writing books.
Learners are actively encouraged to use and apply their Literacy skills across the curriculum. Therefore, during afternoon sessions, when learners are involved in Missions, TAGs and mini-topic related work, pupils are given opportunities to use their skills within other subject areas e.g. designing an exhibit for your WW2 class museum. In Foundation Phase pupils are encouraged to use their literacy skills when accessing missions independently throughout the day.
Drama and oracy activities are carefully planned for to ensure a rich balance of literacy activities across all classes and to enhance final pieces of writing.
