English

Intent

At our school, we aim to develop confident, articulate, and enthusiastic readers and writers. Our English curriculum is designed to immerse pupils in a rich and diverse canon of high-quality literature, fostering a love of reading while building the knowledge and skills necessary for effective communication.

We believe that language underpins all learning; therefore, English is at the heart of our curriculum and is purposefully linked to wider subjects to provide meaningful and engaging contexts. Through carefully selected texts and well-designed plans, including those from Literacy Shed and CUSP, pupils encounter a wide range of genres, themes, cultures, and perspectives.

Our intent is to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop a lifelong love of reading through exposure to high-quality, challenging texts

• Write with clarity, purpose, and creativity for a range of audiences

• Build a rich vocabulary and secure understanding of grammar and language conventions

• Make connections across the curriculum, applying their English skills in meaningful contexts

• Become confident speakers and attentive listeners

Implementation

Our English curriculum is delivered through a structured, progressive approach that integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

• High-quality texts and Literacy Shed
  Units of work are often driven by high-quality core texts and engaging visual resources from Literacy Shed. These provide rich stimuli for discussion, inference, and writing, enabling pupils to explore language in depth and develop their own ideas.

• Reading
  Reading is prioritised across the school. Pupils engage in whole-class reading sessions, guided reading, and independent reading. Carefully chosen texts expose pupils to a broad literary canon, including classic and contemporary works, ensuring both challenge and cultural richness. 

Please take a look at our early reading and phonics page on the website.

• Writing
  Writing is taught through purposeful sequences that build from reading and discussion. Pupils are taught to plan, draft, edit, and publish their work, with a clear focus on audience and purpose. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are taught both discretely and within the context of writing.

• Oracy and Vocabulary
  High-quality talk is embedded throughout lessons. Pupils are encouraged to articulate ideas, debate, and justify opinions. Vocabulary development is explicitly taught, with a focus on tiered vocabulary drawn from texts and across the wider curriculum.

• Cross-curricular links
  English is meaningfully linked to other subjects such as history, geography, and science. Writing opportunities are embedded across the curriculum, allowing pupils to apply their skills in different contexts and deepen their understanding of subject content.

• Inclusion and Adaptation
  Lessons are carefully adapted to meet the needs of all learners. Scaffolds, modelling, and targeted support ensure that every pupil can access the curriculum and make progress.

Impact

The impact of our English curriculum is evident in pupils who are becoming increasingly confident, fluent readers and capable, thoughtful writers.

Pupils:

• Demonstrate a genuine love of reading and engage with a range of texts

• Write with increasing independence, stamina, and accuracy across a range of genres

• Use a rich and varied vocabulary appropriate to purpose and audience

• Make meaningful connections between English and other areas of learning

• Communicate effectively through speaking and listening

Outcomes are measured through ongoing formative assessment, pupil voice, and summative assessments. Work in books shows clear progression in skills and knowledge over time.

Ultimately, we want our pupils to leave primary school equipped with the literacy skills they need to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.