The overarching aim for English in the National Curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment and purpose.  The effectiveness of English teaching determines the success of the whole curriculum.

Language is cross-curricular - it is an essential element of learning in all areas of the curriculum. We follow the National Curriculum and believe the development of literacy knowledge is best ensured by providing a rich and varied linguistic environment.

The National Curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:  

• Read easily, fluently and with good understanding.
• Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.
• Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
• Appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage.
• Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
• Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
• Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

Our English Curriculum

Phonics and Spelling 

In EYFS and KS1 all children receive a daily discrete phonics and spelling lessons. Each school follows a Department for Education approved Scheme of Work. At Graven Hill we use Read Write Inc. This teaching begins in our preschool. You can find out more about this scheme at the bottom of this page. 

In KS2, children follow the National Curriculum expectations for spelling. These are taught within our English curriculum for reading and writing. We incorporate the teaching of spelling across the wider curriculum where necessary and pre-teach disciplinary specific vocabulary within each unit of work. Our specialists English subject leaders expertly support staff in school to implement of our curriculum.  

Reading

Within The Warriner MAT we encourage all children to develop a passion for reading. A wide range of stories and genres is read frequently in class to inspire a life‐long enthusiasm for books and all that they offer children and adults alike. These class novels and stories are used as the basis for all our English teaching and are selected with guidance from The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) and The Literacy Shed, as well as our own extensive knowledge of children's books.

Writing
All children are equipped with the disciplinary knowledge to communicate effectively as well as developing a positive attitude towards the writing process. The children are taught  the knowledge that is needed for the different genres. The children are continuously being encouraged to plan, draft and edit their work. 

Speaking and Listening
We support our children in developing the knowledge necessary to read, write and speak fluently to communicate their ideas and emotions. Through our curriculum, we actively encourage our children to communicate their thoughts and ideas. Children are given the opportunity to reflect on both their learning and feelings.

To see details of our English Curriculum, please use the accordion menu below. The grey box will expand when you click on it to show more details.