Philosophy
The literacy and Communication Curriculum at St Nicholas School offers an inclusive approach to Language development that reflects the shared values and ethos of the school. Children experience ‘connective’ learning experiences that develop the child intellectually, emotionally and socially.
Aims
St Nicholas school aims to enable all pupils to achieve their full potential in the area of Literacy and Communication. This aim is promoted through integrating skills and knowledge of writing, reading speaking, listening, drama, Makaton signing symbols and PECS.
Reading
The school is well resourced with a variety of books which include:
- Large picture books
- Non-fiction books
- Poetry books
- Class made books
- Children’s own books
The children are encouraged to read/experience a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction books. The Library books are set out in subject areas. The books have been colour coded using a simplified Dewey System. The children are encouraged to visit to Library regularly and choose books to take home and share with their parents/carers
We have a large selection of colour coded Reading Scheme books including those listed below:
- Oxford Reading Tree
- Ginn
- Sunshine Spirals
- New Way
- Story Chest
St Nicholas Reading Scheme – The Literacy Co-ordinator has developed a simplified reading scheme to allow the less able children to access a graduated system, incorporating words, symbols, signs and pictures which form the building blocks to formal reading.
Reading
The school is well resourced with a variety of books which include:
Large picture books
Non-fiction books
Poetry books
Class made books
Children’s own books
The children are encouraged to read/experience a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction books. The Library books are set out in subject areas. The books have been colour coded using a simplified Dewey System. The children are encouraged to visit to Library regularly and choose books to take home and share with their parents/carers
We have a large selection of colour coded Reading Scheme books including those listed below:
Oxford Reading Tree
Ginn
Sunshine Spirals
New Way
Story Chest
St Nicholas Reading Scheme – The Literacy Co-ordinator has developed a simplified reading scheme to allow the less able children to access a graduated system, incorporating words, symbols, signs and pictures which form the building blocks to formal reading.
Phonics
The Jolly Phonics scheme was introduced throughout the school three years ago. Jolly Phonics is a multi-sensory approach to phonics which can also be linked with Handwriting without tears (HWT). There are songs, actions and worksheets to accompany each letter sound.
Handwriting
Handwriting without tears (HWT) programme is used at St Nicholas school. HWT is a multi sensory approach to handwriting.
Firstly the children are introduced to capital letter wood pieces, which are used to teach basic size, shape and position concepts. The children also experience age appropriate activities including dough letters, stamping letters and writing letters in sand.
As the children master the capital letter formation they begin to write the letters on small chalk boards and later are able to write the letters on paper.
Lower case letters are introduced when it is felt appropriate for each individual child.
Children are also encouraged to develop word processing skills.
Planning
Long-term planning for Literacy is based on an adapted National curriculum. In the Reception classes the children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
Medium-term plans derive from the schemes of work and IEPs appropriate to the needs of the children. Learning objectives are written on the half termly plans.
Recording and Assessment
Formative assessment occurs through Individual Education Plans, Bsquared Records, Reading records, daily marking and observations.
We moderate and sample Literacy work at least twice a year. Work samples can include photographs and written observations.
Equal Opportunities
The provision for Literacy and Communication reflects the School’s Equal Opportunity Policy.
See St Nicholas Reading Scheme
Resources
Library Books and reading scheme books
Games and activities
Photo cards
Writing aids (Handwriting without tears resources) HWT
Selection of reading resources
Little Wandle resources
Makaton resources
PECS
Role play/drama resources
Story sacks
Puppets
inPrint for Widgit Symbols
Phonics
TIn September 2023, the school started using The Little Wandle SEND phonics scheme of work, which is specially developed for SEND pupils and followed through the whole school.
Handwriting
Handwriting without tears (HWT) programme is used at St Nicholas school. HWT is a multi sensory approach to handwriting.
Firstly the children are introduced to capital letter wood pieces, which are used to teach basic size, shape and position concepts. The children also experience age appropriate activities including dough letters, stamping letters and writing letters in sand.
As the children master the capital letter formation they begin to write the letters on small chalk boards and later are able to write the letters on paper.
Lower case letters are introduced when it is felt appropriate for each individual child.
Children are also encouraged to develop word processing skills.