Miss Scrutton
English Subject Lead

MPA Autumn Book Blog

Find out the children’s thoughts on the key texts in the Autumn term, further books they may wish to read and Year 5 and 6’s recommended reads by clicking here.

Pie Corbett’s Reading Spine

The Reading Spine is a core of books that create a living library inside a child’s mind. It is a store of classics and essential reads that help children engage at a deeper level and enter the world of the story.

  • Bring reading to life with a classic read aloud programme, selected by literacy expert Pie Corbett
  • Foster a love of reading with the best-loved books for Nursery to Year 9
  • Deepen comprehension and teach drama and writing by drawing on the core books

Please find the links below for the free downloadable guides by year group.

Pie Corbett Reception                                                               Pie Corbett YR4
Pie Corbett YR1                                                                           Pie Corbett YR5

Pie Corbett YR2                                                                           Pie Corbett YR6
Pie Corbett YR3

Spellings

Being able to spell is still incredibly important at Martlesham Primary Academy, even in these days of autocorrect and predictive text. All children at school in England will sit a spelling test at the end of Year 6.

Children who can spell well are often more confident writers. They are more likely to write their ideas quickly and fluently as they don’t need to worry about whether or not their spelling is correct. They are also likely to be more adventurous with the words they use to express themselves.

Below are a list of Common Exception Words  – words that are spelled without using the normal spelling rules – that children in England are expected to be able to spell by the end of Year 1 (age 6).

MPA English Policy

Teachers should develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; for pupils; understanding the language provides access to the whole curriculum. Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects. (National Curriculum 2014)

Key Principles of English at MPA

  • English will be embedded in all curriculum areas
  • Children will be given opportunities to develop and explore language through speaking, listening and drama activities
  • Reading and writing skills will be modelled and exemplifications will be displayed
  • Writing, phonic/spelling and shared reading sessions take place daily
  • Quality resources are available to support English and cross curricular learning
  • Teachers plan English activities that support, challenge and inspire children
  • Planning builds on teachers most recent assessments
  • Topics/themes provide children with the opportunities to contextualise and apply English skills in a wide range of purposes
  • English learning walls are displayed in every classroom
  • English learning is differentiated for all abilities
  • Long term planning covers the full range of writing purposes
  • Children’s prior skills, experiences and knowledge are valued and incorporated into English learning
  • Learning objectives are derived from the National Curriculum
  • Short term planning is flexible and reflects teacher assessment
  • Reading and writing is moderated across the school and the region termly

Wider and Extra Curricular Opportunities:

  • All children at Martlesham Primary Academy celebrate World Book Day.

 MPA Documents

World Book Day 2024

Wooden Spoon Book Characters…

Listening to a story read by different adults in the school…

Years 3, 5 and 6 enjoyed watching and being inspired by Michael Rosen at the New Wolsey Theatre…