Reading

We use the New Ginn Reading Scheme as the basis of both class activities and reading at home, for Primary 1 to Primary 6. The texts are fully supported with a wealth of material aimed at developing confidence, fluency and real understanding. In Primary 4, 5 & 6 carefully graded Heinemann Literacy World materials, for shared and guided reading.

At every stage the children are encouraged to read for pleasure and we have two well stocked libraries to support this endeavour. We also supplement the reading schemes with quality novels that teachers use for guided reading experience across the year groups.

 Phonics and spelling

One of the exciting recent developments has been the use of Jolly Phonics materials in Primary 1 & 2. This resource, used in an interactive way, has greatly increased the rate at which children have been able to learn letter sounds and blends. It has had a beneficial effect on both reading and spelling.

From Primary 2 onwards the children undertake structured spelling work using the Nelson Spelling Programme. This includes class activities and provision for regular homework practice.

Grammar & Punctuation

Those of you who follow trends in education will realise that there is an upsurge of interest in the teaching of grammar in primary schools. We at the Academy have never shared the feeling, fashionable at one time, that it was unimportant.

However, to make our provision up to date and thorough we have purchased the Nelson Grammar books, a completely new resource. For Primary 4, 5 & 6, the Literacy World materials cover the same ground in an interactive and stimulating way.

Handwriting

The Nelson Handwriting Scheme is used to support the transition from the very earliest stages of letter formation to the use of a fluent style of joined handwriting.

Listening

The School is well-supplied with cassettes to support both listening for information and listening for pleasure.

Examples

Alexander's (P3) Raiders Story

It is a warm, autumn day. I am at the beach collecting tasty fish for dinner. I look out to sea and catch a glimpse of an unusual sight. It is a big, long, wooden ship. I see a hundred tough men, they have hard, grey armour and very sharp swords and spears. I feel totally terrified. They thunder out of the boat and sprint swiftly towards my village.

In a split second they could beat me there. Quickly I rush into the village and shout “raiders!” I dare not stop, I have to warn everyone. A battle begins. I dive behind some old brown sacks to hide. I see a man lying on the ground. He has a very sharp dagger stuck in his throat. I hear a bloodthirsty scream as a man is struck by an axe. I feel badly terrified.

Suddenly a huge ugly raider lifts me over his head .He looks as if he is about to throw me at a fire. “Help, help, somebody, help!” I scream

“Shut up!” Yells the raider

Quickly I bite him and run to safety. Then I sprint totally fast up the hill and I see a horrible sight. I see huge fires and blood everywhere. By this time the raiders were back at the boat. Next time they shall not be so lucky.

Thomas' (P3) Raiders Story

It is very hot and sunny day. I am fishing with my Dad. I look out to sea and see a strange sight.

It is a huge longboat slowly coming towards me. They creep off the ship and then they silently tiptoe to my village. They look like big scary warriors.

In a dash I quickly race to my village. I feel so terrified. “Raiders!” I shout at every home.

I run to a bush to be safe. A huge horrid battle begins. I see heads and arms in a red river of blood. I hear blood curdling cries. There are lots of sharp swords clashing. I’m nervous with fear.

Suddenly, a big, scary raider grabs my sister and he drags her to a strong tree and ties her up. “Help!” she says. Soon I hear my sister. On my way to save her I find a sword then I cut the rope and we run to safety.

In a flash, me and my sister race up the hill and look over the edge. I see my village burning and bloody dead bodies lying all around. Next time we will be ready .

World Book Week

The junior school celebrated the end of world book week 2008 with a Roald Dahl fancy dress parade.

Each child donated £1 for the privilege of ditching their uniform for the day and transforming into a Roald Dahl character.

World Book Week

The teachers joined in too.

All proceeds have been donated to the Roald Dahl foundation.