In Lower Key Stage 2, children should be able to read books with increasing accuracy and speed, using reading strategies to decode new words. They should begin to learn how to justify their views and widen their spoken vocabulary applying their knowledge of new words. Children will be exposed to a wider range of vocabulary and should be able to write down their ideas with a reasonable degree of accuracy, and good punctuation. Children will also continue to practise correct letter formation and use the horizontal and diagonal strokes that are needed to join letters.
In Upper Key Stage 2, children should be able to read most words effortlessly and work out how to pronounce unfamiliar written words with increasing automaticity. They should be able to summarise and present a familiar story in their own words and read frequently outside as well as in school for pleasure and information. They should be able to discuss what they read. Children in this phase should be able to write down their ideas quickly and spell words correctly. Their grammar and punctuation should be accurate, and they should write legibly, fluently and with increasing speed.
In both Key Stages, children will have the opportunity to apply concepts they are taught, use dictionaries and thesauruses to explore vocabulary and check meaning, discuss how authors use language, draw on inferences for meaning and comprehension and apply taught literacy skills into their creative writing tasks.
