The overarching aim of our English curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy, enabling children to develop a confident command of the spoken and written word while nurturing a lifelong love of reading. We believe that strong English provision underpins success across the entire curriculum, as language is fundamental to learning, thinking and communication in every subject.

At Graven Hill Primary and Preschool, we follow the National Curriculum for English and believe that literacy is best developed through a rich, varied and language‑filled environment, where children are immersed in high‑quality texts, meaningful talk and purposeful writing from the very earliest stages.

Language is explicitly taught and celebrated across the curriculum. Through carefully planned opportunities for reading, writing, discussion and vocabulary development, children build the knowledge and confidence needed to express their ideas clearly and thoughtfully in all areas of learning.

Aims of the English Curriculum

Our English curriculum is designed 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 broad vocabulary and a secure understanding of grammar and language conventions
• Appreciate a rich and varied literary heritage
• Write clearly, accurately and coherently for a range of purposes, audiences and contexts
• Use discussion to deepen understanding, explain ideas and learn collaboratively
• Develop confidence and competence in speaking and listening, including presenting, performing and participating in debate

Our English Curriculum

Phonics and Spelling

In the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, all children receive daily, discrete phonics and spelling lessons following a Department for Education‑approved programme. At Graven Hill, we use Read Write Inc., a systematic and highly structured phonics programme that teaches children to read accurately, fluently and with confidence. Phonics teaching begins in our Preschool, ensuring children develop strong early foundations in reading and spelling from the outset.

In Key Stage 2, children continue to build on this foundation by following the National Curriculum expectations for spelling, taught within English lessons and reinforced across the wider curriculum. Subject‑specific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited within each unit of work, supporting children to access increasingly complex texts and express their ideas with precision. Our English subject leaders work closely with staff to ensure consistent, high‑quality implementation across the school.

Reading

Reading is at the heart of life at Graven Hill. As part of The Warriner Multi Academy Trust, we actively promote a passion for reading and believe that exposure to rich, high‑quality texts is essential for developing language, imagination and understanding of the world.

Children regularly encounter a wide range of stories, novels, poetry and non‑fiction texts. These texts form the backbone of our English teaching and are carefully selected using guidance from the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), The Literacy Shed, and our own extensive professional knowledge of children’s literature. Through reading, children develop empathy, cultural awareness and a deep appreciation of language.

Writing

Our writing curriculum equips children with the disciplinary knowledge they need to communicate effectively and confidently. Children are taught the specific features, structures and language required for different genres and purposes, enabling them to write with clarity and intent.

Writing is approached as a process. Children are supported to plan, draft, edit and refine their work, developing resilience and pride in their writing. High expectations, clear models and meaningful outcomes help children see themselves as writers with something worth saying.

Speaking and Listening

We place great importance on spoken language, recognising it as a foundation for reading, writing and thinking. Through structured discussion, partner talk, performance and reflection, children are encouraged to articulate their ideas, share opinions and listen respectfully to others.

Opportunities to speak and listen are embedded across the curriculum, enabling children to develop confidence, emotional literacy and the ability to express both their learning and their feelings clearly.

To explore the detail of our English curriculum, including progression and coverage, please use the accordion menu below. Click on the grey boxes to expand each section.