At Argyle we consider the development of strong Literacy skills as a core priority which must be embedded across all aspects of our work. This teaching of literacy includes the development of good Speaking and Listening skills (oracy), the teaching of Reading and the teaching of Writing.

As a school with high proportions of pupils who are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) we understand that as well as teaching pupils to be literate, we are teaching them to use the language of English with confidence and accuracy.

By supporting children to develop strong English language and literacy skills, we enable them to access the whole curriculum, communicate effectively and to take their place in society. We believe that a very strong emphasis on the correct use of English and a high proportion of time spent developing speaking and listening, reading and writing skills helps all children (including those for whom English is their first or only language) to achieve their potential and to excel across the curriculum.

The English Resources we use at Argyle are:

- Bug Club (Reading KS1)

- Little Wandle Letters and Sounds (Phonics EYFS & KS1)

Our Aims:

• To enable all children to make rapid progress in their understanding and use of the English language so that they are able to access learning at a level appropriate to their age and ability  and participate  fully in all aspects of school life.
• To promote an awareness of and interest in language, a love of words and an understanding of  their power.          
• To teach all children the skills that will enable them to read at least, at the level expected for their age.          
• To teach children to love reading and to introduce them to a broad variety of reading materials.       
• To teach children writing skills that enable them to communicate their ideas with confidence and efficiency.
• To inspire children to write for a wide variety of purposes and audiences.

In working towards the above we will assume that all children can make good progress and that the vast majority of children can meet or exceed national expectations. Where children experience difficulty, we will support them fully.