We deliver an inclusive and ambitious English Curriculum that enables all pupils, including those with SEND, EAL and disadvantaged backgrounds, to develop as confident communicators, fluent readers and skilled writers. We recognise that strong literacy skills are essential for accessing the wider Curriculum and for success in later life.
Our English Curriculum develops pupils’ ability to read, write, speak and listen with confidence. It aims to build pupils’ vocabulary, comprehension and communication skills while fostering creativity, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading and writing. Through carefully structured teaching and engaging texts, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to express themselves clearly and effectively in a range of contexts.
Purpose and Aims of the Subject
At Adderley, we follow the National Curriculum programmes of study for Reading, Writing and Spoken Language. Our aim is to ensure that all pupils develop strong literacy skills that enable them to communicate effectively and access learning across the Curriculum.
We aim to:
- Develop fluent, confident readers who can understand, interpret and respond to a wide range of texts.
- Enable pupils to become skilled writers who can write for different audiences and purposes across a range of genres.
- Develop strong spoken language skills, allowing pupils to articulate ideas clearly, explain their thinking and participate confidently in discussion.
- Foster a love of reading, encouraging pupils to explore a wide range of high-quality literature and develop their vocabulary and imagination.
- Equip pupils with secure spelling, punctuation and grammar knowledge, enabling them to write accurately and effectively.
We also place strong emphasis on the development of vocabulary, recognising that a rich and secure vocabulary underpins pupils’ ability to read with understanding, communicate ideas clearly and succeed across the wider Curriculum.
We place particular importance on early language development and early reading, especially in Early Years and Key Stage 1, as these are essential foundations for later learning.
How the Subject is Taught in Practice
English is taught daily across the school through a structured approach to reading, writing and spoken language.
Early Reading
Early reading is taught using the Little Wandle phonics programme, which provides a structured and systematic approach to phonics teaching. This enables pupils to develop secure decoding skills, build fluency and develop confidence as readers.
Children practise reading regularly in school through phonics sessions, guided reading and shared reading opportunities. Reading books are carefully matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge so that they can apply their developing skills successfully.
Pupils are regularly exposed to a wide range of high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Carefully chosen texts allow pupils to explore rich language, develop comprehension skills and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, pupils build on the strong foundations developed through phonics teaching. As decoding becomes more secure, greater emphasis is placed on fluency, comprehension and understanding a wider range of texts.
Pupils read a variety of fiction, non-fiction and poetry linked to Curriculum topics. Through guided reading and whole-class discussion, pupils learn to retrieve information, discuss characters and events, make predictions and explain their understanding of texts. These experiences help pupils develop confidence, vocabulary and enjoyment in reading.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, pupils read a wide range of high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry, including whole novels and texts linked to the wider Curriculum.
Reading lessons focus on developing deeper comprehension skills. Pupils learn to infer meaning, summarise key ideas, analyse how authors use language and structure, and justify their opinions using evidence from the text. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils read age-appropriate texts with confidence, fluency and understanding, preparing them for the next stage of their education.
You can view our reading curriculum plans here:
Writing
Writing is taught through a structured writing sequence which supports pupils in developing both the technical and creative aspects of writing. Lessons are carefully planned to help pupils understand the key features of different genres and apply these independently in their own writing.
This structured approach enables pupils to gradually develop their ideas, refine their writing and apply taught skills independently. Pupils write across a wide range of genres including narratives, reports, explanations, arguments, poetry and personal writing such as letters and diaries.
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar are taught both explicitly and within the context of writing lessons. Pupils learn how grammatical structures and punctuation choices shape meaning, improve clarity and enhance the impact of their writing. These skills are then applied when pupils draft, edit and improve their own work.
Pupils are also supported in developing accurate transcription skills, including spelling patterns, sentence construction and the correct use of punctuation. Editing and proof-reading strategies are taught regularly so that pupils learn to review their work carefully and make improvements independently.
Spoken Language and Oracy
Speaking and listening play an important role in our English Curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to discuss ideas, explain their thinking and participate actively in classroom discussions. Structured talk opportunities support pupils in developing confidence and clarity when communicating their ideas.
Reading at Home
Reading at home is strongly encouraged, as regular reading helps pupils develop vocabulary, fluency and comprehension while fostering a love of books. Parents and carers play an important role in supporting children’s reading by listening to them read regularly and discussing texts.
Outcomes of the Curriculum and Assessment
Through our English Curriculum, pupils develop the knowledge and skills needed to read fluently, write confidently and communicate effectively.
Assessment is used to monitor progress and ensure that pupils receive the support and challenge they need to succeed.
Assessment takes place through:
- Ongoing assessment for learning within lessons
- Teacher assessment of independent writing
- Monitoring pupils’ application of spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Half-termly assessments to track progress.
Teachers use this information to identify misconceptions, provide targeted support and ensure that all pupils continue to make progress.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage, pupils are assessed through the Reception Baseline Assessment and the EYFS Profile, which measure early language, reading and writing development.
At the end of Key Stage 2, pupils complete the national SATs assessments, which assess reading and spelling, punctuation and grammar. These assessments support pupils’ transition to secondary school.
Pupils are encouraged to apply their reading and writing skills across the wider Curriculum, enabling them to communicate ideas clearly in different subjects and strengthening their understanding through purposeful writing opportunities.
Through our English Curriculum, pupils leave Adderley Primary School as confident readers, capable writers and effective communicators who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.
You can view our writing curriculum plans here: