English - Primary

What is happening in English ....
This year will see the continuation of the roll out of the Primary Framework for Literacy. The primary English team will support this through a combination of funded and chargeable CPD courses. Schools will have the opportunity to ‘buy into’ courses which build on the initial Renewed Framework training.

The CPD courses will address issues related to:
communication, language and literacy, improving writing and enhancing literacy. Schools will be informed of these additional courses from the Summer term 2008 onwards.

Current provision for CPD reflects the need to:

• fully integrate speaking and listening opportunities into literacy lessons
• consider approaches to using ICT for teaching and learning in literacy
• continue to review and develop the teaching of reading and the implications for assessment, and
• maintain a focus on progression across Key Stages 1-3.

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Follow the links on this page to view more detail about any of the courses or meetings listed.

Primary English Network Meetings

Subject network meetings will include:

• an update on national, local and regional developments in the subject
• professional development in a topical subject-related issue
• sharing of effective practice with colleagues from other schools.

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Autumn 2008

Creative Approaches to Addressing the Gender Gap in Writing
This is a three part cross-phase course that will address issues concerning boys’ writing in Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, drawing on national research and local experience. Gap tasks will allow for action research in the classroom and the sharing of good practice between primary and secondary colleagues.

Ensuring Progression in Speaking & Listening Skills
This is a three part cross-phase course which will consider approaches to the explicit teaching of speaking and listening skills. The issues and activities explored will be relevant to literacy and English teachers and subject leaders in Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, and to cross-curricular literacy coordinators. Gap tasks will be set to allow action research in the classroom and the sharing of good practice between primary and secondary colleagues.

Making Masks for Art/Drama in Schools
Designing and constructing three dimensional masks in cardboard. Designing and constructing masks using professional making techniques in clay design and papier mache construction. A brief look at drama techniques for using masks and how masks work in performance.

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Spring 2009

Multi-Sensory Teaching & Learning
There are visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners and it is important that teachers vary their teaching style to ensure that all types of learner are included within their lessons. The course will look at ways of recognising each type of learner and explore methods of teaching mathematics and literacy which will ensure the inclusion of all pupils, whatever their preferred learning style.

Data Analysis for Staff Leading or With a Special Interest in English, Mathematics or Science
A strategic approach to the analysis and use of data to support teaching and learning.

Digital Literacy
Helping teachers to give children the skills to deal effectively with the bewildering amount of digital information that can be accessed online.

Making Links: Visual Literacy, Drama & ICT
This two part course will consider the links between the teaching of English, visual literacy, drama and ICT. The course is for teachers interested in exploring a variety of visual contexts for literacy and will be relevant for class teachers and subject leaders. A gap task will be set to allow action research in the classroom and the sharing of good practice between colleagues.