KS2 English reading and writing

In KS2 English reading and writing is delivered through Success For All (SFA). SFA has a proven track record of raising standards in reading, writing and speaking. It is based on collaborative learning models of teaching and learning which also help develop children’s critical thinking, cooperation and communication skills. SFA develops children’s ability to work independently though extensive teacher modelling and team/paired work to support the development of key skills. SFA is successfully used by a number of schools in England and Wales. English lessons run daily for 90 minutes and comprise:

• 3 days of reading from a set text
• Comprehension activities matched to the text including 1 individual activity
• 2 days of planning, drafting and editing a piece of writing inspired by the text
• Weekly spellings using the No-Nonsense spelling programme
• Grammar activities contextualised into the lessons.

Every 3 or 4 weeks children will focus specifically on their writing skills through an extended writing unit. This also gives teachers the opportunity to plan some bespoke grammar lessons/activities that reflect the needs of the group.
Children are grouped according to their reading age. The majority of children are taught English in their year groups. This does mean that some children may be set in SFA Groups that are above or below their chronological age. All children are carefully placed to maximise their learning therefore children are not necessarily taught by their class teacher but in SFA Wings Groups.

A very few children at KS2 will still require support in developing their reading skills either because of gaps in their knowledge or because they are new to English. They are taught through our phonics programmes, Read Write Inc (Year 3) and Fresh Start (Year 4, 5, 6). Our aim is to accelerate their reading progress so that they can join an appropriate SFA Group.

The Wings Group divide into:

Note for parents: If you are unclear about which SFA/Wings group you child is in please speak to your Child’s class teacher.

See below for a full list of books studied in SFA. For a more information on the writing and reading foci of each text please request copies of the Termly SFA planning.