Language, Spoken English, and Phonics Policy at Hubert Ogunde Memorial School

  1. Introduction

Hubert Ogunde Memorial School recognizes the pivotal role of language acquisition in students’ overall development and academic success.

This Language, Spoken English, and Phonics Policy outline our commitment to fostering strong language skills, effective communication, and phonetic proficiency among our students.

  1. Language Acquisition Goals

2.1 English Proficiency:

Our primary language of instruction is English. We strive to nurture a supportive environment where students can develop fluency, proficiency, and confidence in using English for communication, reading, and writing.

2.2 Multilingualism:

We celebrate and value linguistic diversity. We encourage the development of the mother tongue or native languages alongside English, as research shows that proficiency in the mother tongue positively impacts language learning and cognitive abilities.

  1. Spoken English and Effective Communication

3.1 Engaging Instruction:

Our educators employ interactive and engaging teaching methods to promote spoken English skills. Classrooms are designed to encourage student participation, discussion, and presentations.

3.2 Debates and Public Speaking:

Regular debates, elocution, and public speaking opportunities are provided to build students’ confidence and eloquence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.

3.3 Language Workshops:

We organize language workshops and communication training sessions to enhance students’ spoken English, presentation, and articulation skills.

  1. Phonics Instruction

4.1 Phonics as Foundation:

We recognize the significance of phonics in developing strong reading and writing abilities. Phonics instruction is integrated into the early years of education to lay a solid foundation for literacy skills.

4.2 Systematic Approach:

Our phonics instruction follows a structured and sequential approach, teaching letter-sound relationships and decoding skills in a progressive manner.

4.3 Phonemic Awareness:

We focus on developing students’ phonemic awareness, helping them identify and manipulate individual sounds in words to improve reading and spelling abilities.

  1. Support for English Language Learners (ELL)

5.1 ELL Support Programs:

We offer targeted support programs for English Language Learners to accelerate their language acquisition and academic progress.

5.2 Inclusive Practices:

We promote a language-inclusive environment, where ELL students feel supported and encouraged to participate actively in all aspects of school life.

  1. Home-School Collaboration

6.1 Parent Engagement:

We encourage parents to actively support their child’s language development at home through reading, storytelling, and conversational activities.

6.2 Communication with Parents:

Regular communication with parents is maintained to provide updates on language development progress and offer strategies for further support.

  1. Professional Development

Our educators participate in ongoing professional development to enhance their language teaching skills, phonics instruction methodologies, and effective communication strategies.

  1. Policy Dissemination

This Language, Spoken English, and Phonics Policy is communicated to all stakeholders, including staff, parents, and students, to ensure a shared understanding and commitment to its principles.

This policy takes effect from 6/06/1995.

Mrs. Abosede Oloyede

Education Director