English
INTENT
Why do we teach this? Why do we teach it in the way we do?
At Woodlands Primary School, we believe that English is at the heart of learning. Strong language, reading, writing and communication skills enable children to understand the world around them, express themselves confidently and access learning across the curriculum.
We aim to develop children who are confident communicators, enthusiastic readers and skilled writers. Through a rich and ambitious English curriculum, we develop children's vocabulary, knowledge, imagination and ability to communicate effectively for different purposes and audiences.
We want every child to develop a love of reading and to experience a wide range of high-quality fiction, non-fiction, poetry and texts. Through reading, children develop their vocabulary, knowledge and understanding of the world, whilst discovering authors, characters, cultures and ideas.
We recognise that reading and writing are closely connected. Children are given regular opportunities to explore high-quality texts, discuss ideas, develop vocabulary and apply what they have learned in their own writing. We explicitly teach the knowledge and skills children need to become increasingly independent and fluent readers and writers.
By the end of Year 6, we aim for all children to:
- read fluently, confidently and with increasing understanding;
- develop a love of reading and read widely for pleasure and information;
- discuss and respond to texts, making connections, asking questions, inferring meaning and expressing opinions;
- develop a rich and varied vocabulary which they can use confidently across the curriculum;
- communicate their ideas clearly through spoken language, discussion and presentation;
- write accurately, coherently and fluently for a range of purposes and audiences;
- develop secure knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling and apply this accurately in their writing;
- develop fluent, legible and increasingly joined handwriting;
- use reading to inspire, inform and improve their own writing;
- develop the confidence, creativity and resilience to become independent readers, writers and communicators.
IMPLEMENTATION
What do we teach? What does this look like?
Statutory requirements for English are set out in the National Curriculum for England, alongside the Communication and Language and Literacy requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.
At Woodlands Primary School, we follow the Pathways to Write mastery approach from EYFS to Year 6. This provides a structured and progressive approach to developing children's writing skills and knowledge. Children revisit previously taught knowledge and skills through gateway keys, whilst learning and applying new mastery keys appropriate to their year group.
English teaching is built around high-quality texts which provide opportunities for children to develop their reading, vocabulary, oracy and writing. Children explore the language and structure of texts, discuss ideas and develop their understanding before applying this knowledge to their own writing.
Our English curriculum provides opportunities for children to:
- develop vocabulary and language through reading, discussion and explicit teaching;
- read and discuss a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and other texts;
- develop reading fluency and comprehension;
- explore and respond to texts through discussion and questioning;
- develop writing skills through teacher modelling, shared writing, guided practice and independent application;
- write for a range of purposes and audiences;
- develop spelling, grammar, punctuation and handwriting skills;
- revisit and build upon prior learning so that knowledge becomes increasingly secure;
- make links between reading and writing across the curriculum.
We recognise that children have different starting points and learning needs. Teachers use assessment to identify gaps and adapt teaching accordingly. Children who require additional support receive targeted teaching and appropriate intervention, including Pathways to Progress where appropriate.
Phonics is taught systematically in EYFS and Key Stage 1, with additional support provided for children in Key Stage 2 who require continued phonics teaching.
Across the school, we promote reading for pleasure through access to high-quality books, author experiences, library opportunities, reading events and opportunities for children to recommend and discuss books.
IMPACT
What will our children know, understand and be able to do?
Through our English curriculum, children will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to communicate effectively and become successful, independent learners.
By the end of Year 6, our children will:
- read fluently and confidently, with a secure understanding of what they read;
- read widely and for pleasure, developing a strong knowledge of authors, genres and texts;
- use a rich and varied vocabulary to communicate their ideas clearly and precisely;
- discuss, explain and justify their ideas, listening and responding appropriately to others;
- write clearly, accurately and coherently for a range of purposes and audiences;
- apply grammar, punctuation and spelling knowledge accurately and independently;
- write with increasing fluency, stamina and independence, making deliberate choices about vocabulary and language;
- use their reading to inspire and improve their writing, drawing on the vocabulary, structures and techniques they encounter in high-quality texts;
- produce fluent and legible handwriting and take pride in the presentation of their work;
- transfer their English skills across the curriculum, using reading, writing, vocabulary and oracy to support their learning in all subjects;
- leave Woodlands well equipped for the next stage of their education, with the literacy skills, confidence and love of reading needed to become lifelong learners.
