Curriculum Aims

At our school, English sits at the heart of the curriculum. We believe that a secure foundation in speaking, listening, reading and writing opens the door to success in every subject and helps children to thrive in life beyond the classroom. Our aim is not only to teach children the skills of language and literacy, but also to nurture a love of books, stories and writing that will last a lifetime.

Through our English curriculum, we aim for all pupils to:

• Speak and listen with confidence – developing rich vocabulary, strong oracy skills and the ability to share ideas, explain clearly, and listen with understanding.
• Read fluently and with enjoyment – beginning with high-quality, systematic phonics teaching, so that every child can decode words accurately, then moving quickly to develop comprehension, inference and critical thinking skills.
• Read widely and often – developing the habit of reading for pleasure as well as for information, drawing on a wide range of authors, genres and cultures, and appreciating our rich literary heritage.
• Write clearly and effectively – learning to plan, draft, edit and publish their writing, and to adapt style and tone for different audiences and purposes. We place equal importance on transcriptional skills (spelling and handwriting) and on creative composition.
• Build a wide vocabulary and secure grammar – giving children the tools they need to communicate precisely and powerfully, both in speech and in writing.
• Enjoy early success in writing – starting in the Early Years with storytelling, mark-making and early composition, supported by the EEF’s evidence-based guidance on early literacy and writing.
• Use talk to deepen learning – engaging in purposeful discussion, debate and presentation to clarify thinking, extend understanding and develop confidence.

We are committed to inclusive practice. Children who need additional support receive high-quality, timely interventions in both reading and writing, so that every child has the chance to become a confident reader and writer.

By the time they leave us, pupils are equipped with the skills, knowledge and passion for language that will enable them to succeed at secondary school and beyond, and to experience the joy and power of reading and writing throughout their lives.