English
Our English lessons follow a rich curriculum that stimulates enjoyment, curiosity and interest. Children gain an understanding of how language works by looking at its patterns, structures and origins. They use their knowledge, skills and understanding in speaking and writing across a range of different situations.
Phonics
We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme from Reception to Year 2. This structured, systematic approach ensures that every child develops strong early reading skills. Our phonics provision is thorough and carefully monitored, with assessments every six weeks and daily targeted interventions for pupils who need additional support. This ensures that all children leave Key Stage 1 secure in phonics - a key foundation for future academic success.
We are proud that 100% of our Year 2 pupils have passed our phonics check.
Writing
We follow The Literacy Tree approach to writing, placing high-quality, diverse children’s literature at the heart of our curriculum. Carefully selected texts inspire pupils and provide meaningful contexts for writing, ensuring that children write with purpose, creativity and engagement. Grammar is taught both explicitly and in context, allowing pupils to understand how language choices shape meaning.
From Reception and Key Stage 1, children begin by building simple sentence structures and securing core punctuation. As they progress through the school, they develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of grammar, including sentence variety, clause construction, and precise punctuation.
By Upper Key Stage 2, pupils confidently manipulate grammar for effect, adapting their writing to suit audience and purpose. Opportunities to perform and present writing - whether through reading aloud, drama, or publication - are an important part of our approach. This helps pupils to see themselves as authors and to develop both confidence and voice. Through this carefully sequenced and supportive framework, we foster pupils who are not only technically skilled writers but also thoughtful communicators with a genuine love of language.
Reading
In Reception to Year 4, reading is taught in small groups, allowing for personalised support and focused development of key skills.
In Years 5 and 6, pupils take part in three whole-class reading sessions each week, where the focus shifts towards developing higher-level comprehension skills, including analysis and inference.
Spelling
Spelling is taught twice weekly through a progressive programme that builds understanding over time. Pupils learn spelling rules alongside strategies to master common exception words. Teaching is rooted in phonetic, orthographic, morphological and etymological understanding, enabling children to become confident and accurate spellers.
Handwriting
Handwriting is a key focus in Reception and Key Stage 1. Children develop fine motor strength through daily activities, building the control and coordination needed for fluent writing. We follow the Little Wandle Handwriting programme, with regular sessions that support pupils in developing a clear, neat and consistent script.
Library
Our well-stocked library is filled with current, recommended literature to inspire and engage young readers.
Children in Reception to Year 4 enjoy a weekly Love of Reading session, led by their class teacher. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity to explore texts together, share favourite stories and nurture a genuine love of reading.
Children in Year 5 and 6 can visit the Library at lunchtimes to take part in activities, read and borrow books.
English curriculum enrichment activities are celebrated during the academic year, including Shakespeare Day, World Book Day, National Poetry Day, House Poetry Competitions and visits from authors, poets, theatre groups and local librarians.