Elm Wood Primary School: Teaching English to level 6

Identifying a need for augmented English knowledge and skills among primary teachers to meet curriculum demands, the Gipsy Hill Federation provided teachers with training to improve teacher’s subject knowledge and skills. This would better equip them to teach English confidently to Level 6 and increase motivation and writing standards in their pupils.

In order to better support teachers, the project developed guiding reading practices using the Reciprocal Teaching method, and built a ‘Reading Champions Network’ in partnerships with reading specialists at the University of East London.

86% of teachers reported higher levels of enjoyment, and averaged an 11% improvement in English subject knowledge test scores. The pupils were also reported to have made above expected progress, with 86% of high attainers and 95% of low attainers making increased progress.