English involves a wide range of skills such as; reading, writing, speaking and listening. It is creative, imaginative and expressive.

The English National Curriculum ‘will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised.’

At Al Basma, children receive five 1 hour lessons each week. Guided Reading is also taught four times a week and a separate Whole Class Reading session takes place once a week. Guided Reading and Whole Class Reading give children the opportunity to read as part of a group, build confidence and fluency in their reading and to also develop reading skills. Children also stretch and develop their vocabulary whilst reading. New words are recorded and used in their writing - this is where reading and writing both meet.

Children are also encouraged to continue their learning at home with the use of Bug Club - our online library suited to every child's reading level and Edshed, where spellings are practiced.

All children in KS1 have five, 1 hour English lessons per week. This involves Phonics and opportunities to write. We use practical ways of supporting writing, such as role play and Talk 4 Writing. Children also take part in four Guided Reading lessons a week. This gives children the opportunity to read as part of a group, build confidence and fluency in their reading and to also develop key reading skills.

All children in KS2 have five, 1 hour English lessons per week. This involves Phonics, recapping of sounds and opportunities to write. We use practical ways of supporting writing, such as role play, drama and Talk 4 Writing. Children also take part in four Guided Reading lessons a week. This gives children the opportunity to read as part of a group, build confidence and fluency in their reading and to also develop reading skills.

Whole Class Reading also takes place once per week, giving teachers the opportunity to model reading and for children to ask questions, clarify meaning of unknown vocabulary, make predictions, summarize and answer questions, show their understanding on what has been read.