What do we want our children to achieve in English?

Reading:

All pupils are able to read confidently with a good understanding of texts and vocabulary to prepare them for the future. Pupils will have a good knowledge of phonics through a systematic approach and apply this within their reading skills. We intend for all pupils to have an enjoyment of reading a variety of authors and genres including non-fiction and poetry. The pupils will discuss their reading, their own thoughts, opinions and share their own passion for reading.

Writing:

For all pupils to be competent writers and have writing, phonic, spelling and language skills to prepare them for the future. This will be through engaging topic based phased teaching when the pupils learn the scaffolding steps for writing in a variety of text types, for different purposes and audiences.  Pupils will develop their own writing styles, creativity and stamina through free writing opportunities and experiences.

Why is English important?

Teaching reading and writing gives children the skills they need to succeed academically, communicate effectively, and become lifelong learners. By fostering a love of reading and confidence in writing from an early age, we help children achieve their full potential both in school and beyond:

• Developing communication skills: Reading and writing help children express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions clearly while understanding the ideas of others
• Supporting learning across the curriculum: Literacy is needed in every subject, including mathematics, science, history, and geography. Children must be able to read instructions, understand information, and possibly write down responses and ideas - in school and their whole lives.
• Building vocabulary and language: Reading exposes children to new words, sentence structures, and ideas, improving both spoken and written language.
• Encouraging imagination and creativity: Stories and writing activities allow children to explore different perspectives, develop creativity, and express themselves.
• Developing critical thinking: Reading helps children analyse, question, and evaluate information, while writing encourages them to organise and explain their ideas logically.
• Promoting confidence and independence: As children’s literacy skills improve, they become more independent learners and gain confidence in communicating with others.
• Preparing children for the future: Good literacy skills are essential for further education, employment, and everyday tasks such as reading instructions, completing forms, and getting on a bus (pupil voice!)

We are teaching, inspiring, creating and nurturing future authors, writers, poets, editors, public speakers!