Pupils reading in the school meadow

Here at Dulwich Wood helping our students become confident and independent children who are able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is central to our literacy and reading strategies. Our aims in teaching English are:

  • to become enthusiastic readers and writers
  • to use their English skills in every area of the curriculum
  • to acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
  • to develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.
  • to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
  • to become confident speakers and listeners

Using our learning tools to help children become resilient and adventurous in their reading we create learning journeys each half term we carefully plan a Learning Journey linked to the theme, taking into account the knowledge, skills, vocabulary and cultural experiences that the children will need. Each Learning Journey starts with a real-life experience to inspire awe and wonder in the children, for example a trip or a special whole school event.

The children guide their Learning Journey by asking questions that they would like to answer by the end of the half term. Children produce various written outcomes across the curriculum as part of each Learning Journey. Writing in every subject is recorded in the blue Learning Journey book, which we love sharing with parents and carers at learning reviews.

As a culmination of this learning the children take part in the Big Write bringing together all their learning across the term in a piece of written work that joins learning from class to class across the school at levels appropriate for each year and ability.

We tie our reading into the learning journey by making single texts central to the learning, which classes read and explore together.

Building core skills through phonics, spelling and handwriting development all have designated strategies. If you would like to know more about these or other areas of our literacy strategy please feel free to contact the office to discuss questions with our team of you can download our full literacy curriculum strategy here.

And below, here’s one of Dulwich Wood’s imaginative book corners!

Book corner