Kilchreest National School

ENGLISH CURRICULUM 

Introduction

Our revised English Plan sets out to be a useful tool for teachers providing clear guidelines and ensuring consistency and continuity throughout the school.  It was first developed in 2001 by the teaching staff after having attended in-service days.  However, a major review of the plan was undertaken early in 2006.The Principal in consultation with the staff led this review.  

Rationale 

It was necessary to focus on English in order to conform to the principles outlined in the Revised Curriculum.  It was also felt that planning for English is particularly demanding because it has implications for teaching and learning in all curriculum areas.  

Relationship to Characteristic Spirit of the School 

In preparing pupils to contribute and play a pivotal role in their communities it is recognised that the English Language is at the heart of children’s learning.Through language they receive much of their skills.  Language enables children both to communicate with others effectively for a variety of purposes, and to examine their own and others’ experiences, feelings and ideas, giving them order and meaning.Kilchreest is the birthplace of Lady Gregory who was the cornerstone of the Irish Literary Revival and our locality has a corpus of literature which is unique and which is an integral part of our heritage.  The primary school is the first place where children often become aware of this unique heritage, which includes oral tradition, folklore, fiction and poetry. 

Aims:  The staff endorse the aims of the Revised English Curriculum which are detailed in the School Plan.

Strands & Strand Units - We plan according to the strands Oral Language, Reading and Writing.Teachers use the content objectives in their class planning and assessment.In our English lessons we strive to ensure that there is a balance between the strand units listed here:

·        Receptiveness to language

·        Competence and confidence in using language

·        Developing cognitive abilities through language

·        Emotional and Imaginative development through language