English

Why we teach English

English is the foundation of all learning. We want children to grow into confident communicators who enjoy reading, writing and sharing their ideas. By exploring stories, poems, information texts and rich language, children learn about different places, people and experiences. English helps children develop imagination, empathy and creativity, and gives them the skills they need to succeed in every subject across the curriculum.

How we teach English

English is woven into daily life in school. Children learn through high-quality books, lively discussions and purposeful writing activities.

• Phonics helps younger children learn how letters and sounds work together so they can read unfamiliar words.
• Reading lessons help children understand stories deeply, talk about characters and events, and build strong comprehension skills.
• Writing is taught step by step, with teachers modelling how to plan, edit and improve.
• Vocabulary is taught explicitly because knowing more words helps children understand more of what they read and express themselves clearly.
  Drama, storytelling and group talk activities help children build speaking and listening skills in an enjoyable, confidence boosting way.

What we want children to learn

We want every child to become a fluent reader, a confident speaker and an enthusiastic writer. Children learn to express their thoughts clearly, choose interesting vocabulary and write for different purposes and audiences. Most importantly, we hope they finish primary school with a love of reading that stays with them for life.

Writing

Writing is taught step by step so that children gain the skills and confidence to express their ideas clearly. We build strong foundations in handwriting, spelling, grammar and composition, helping every child become a fluent and independent writer.

Composition

Children learn how to plan, draft and improve their writing using high‑quality texts as models. They explore vocabulary, sentence structure and different text types, writing for a range of audiences and purposes. Teachers guide the writing process and give timely feedback, so children develop in accuracy, clarity and independence.

Grammar and punctuation

Grammar and punctuation are taught explicitly and always linked to real writing. Children learn how different choices affect meaning and practise applying new skills in their own work. These skills are revisited regularly and built on year by year.

Inclusion and support

We make writing accessible for all learners. Support may include small‑group teaching, fine‑motor activities, word banks, sentence stems, visual prompts or personalised targets. Children who need additional help receive tailored interventions to strengthen their skills and confidence.

Reading

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. From the moment children join us, we help them develop a love of books and the confidence to read independently. We follow the National Curriculum and choose high quality, diverse texts so children can explore different experiences and ideas.

Early Reading

In the early years, children learn to read through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme. This teaches them to recognise sounds, blend words and build strong early reading skills. Teachers also read aloud every day, sharing engaging stories that children can enjoy again at home. We check progress regularly and provide extra support when needed, including one to one sessions and resources for families.

Reading Beyond Phonics

After phonics, children move on to Book Club sessions that develop deeper understanding. They explore a wide range of texts and learn skills such as predicting, retrieving information and making inferences. Regular assessments help teachers identify strengths and next steps so every child continues to make progress.

Inclusion and Support

We make sure all children receive the support they need to become confident readers. Some continue phonics for longer, while others benefit from programmes such as Fresh Start or Lexia to build fluency and comprehension. Children who need extra practice read regularly with an adult to strengthen their skills.

Reading Progression

 

 

Writing Progression