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 reading, writing, language and communication skills enable children to understand the world, express themselves confidently and access learning across the curriculum.
We aim to develop confident communicators, enthusiastic readers and skilled writers through a rich and ambitious English curriculum. Children develop vocabulary, knowledge, imagination and the ability to communicate effectively for different purposes and audiences.
We want all children to develop a love of reading and experience a wide range of high-quality fiction, non-fiction, poetry and other texts. Reading and writing are closely connected, with children regularly exploring texts, discussing ideas, developing vocabulary and applying their learning to their own writing.
By the end of Year 6, children will:
- read fluently, confidently and with understanding;
- read widely and for pleasure;
- develop a rich and varied vocabulary;
- communicate confidently through speaking and listening;
- write accurately, coherently and fluently for different purposes and audiences;
- apply grammar, punctuation and spelling accurately;
- develop fluent, legible handwriting;
- use reading to inspire and improve their writing;
- become confident, creative and resilient readers, writers and communicators.
IMPLEMENTATION
What do we teach? What does this look like?
English is taught in line with the National Curriculum for England and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
In Reception, children begin their writing journey through Drawing Club, using imaginative stories, rich vocabulary and purposeful stimuli to develop early composition and mark-making. Fine and gross motor development supports pencil control and handwriting readiness, providing a strong foundation for Year 1.
From Year 1 to Year 6, we follow the Pathways to Write approach, providing a structured and progressive approach to developing writing knowledge and skills. Children revisit prior learning while developing and applying new writing targets appropriate to their year group.
Writing is built around high-quality texts, providing opportunities to develop vocabulary, grammar, oracy and composition. Children explore texts before applying their learning to their own writing and, where appropriate, make links across the wider curriculum.
Teaching follows a progression from teacher modelling and shared writing, through guided practice to independent application. Children are given regular opportunities to discuss and rehearse ideas before writing, and to edit and improve their work.
Across the school, children develop their ability to:
- write for different purposes and audiences;
- develop vocabulary and sentence structure;
- apply grammar, punctuation and spelling;
- use reading to inspire their writing;
- develop fluency, stamina and independence;
- edit and improve their work;
- develop fluent, legible handwriting;
- achieve and apply age-appropriate writing targets;
- transfer their writing skills across the curriculum.
IMPACT
What will our children know, understand and be able to do?
Through our English curriculum, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to communicate effectively and become independent learners.
By the end of Year 6, children will:
- read fluently, confidently and for pleasure;
- use a rich vocabulary to communicate clearly and precisely;
- discuss and justify ideas, listening and responding appropriately;
- write accurately and coherently for different purposes and audiences;
- apply grammar, punctuation and spelling independently;
- write with increasing fluency, stamina and independence;
- make deliberate choices about vocabulary and language;
- use reading to inspire and improve their writing;
- produce fluent, legible handwriting and take pride in presentation;
- edit and improve their writing;
- apply English skills across the curriculum;
- communicate confidently and demonstrate resilience and independence.
Ultimately, children will 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.
