English Curriculum
Our English Curriculum Intent
English is a core subject in the National Curriculum. It is the medium through which learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. It has a pre-eminent place in education and all the skill of language is essential to participating fully as a member of society. Children will learn how to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. This enables children to develop culturally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. The acquisition of language skills is essential and our school gives the teaching of all aspects of English a high priority.
Foundation Stage
English is taught according to the statutory framework for EYFS. Emphasis is placed upon the prime area of communication and Language, which includes; listening and attention, and understanding and speaking.
Key Stage 1 and 2
In Our Lady and St Edward’s school, we follow the National Curriculum. The focus for these sessions is reading (fluency and comprehension), writing, grammar, vocabulary, spoken language and drama. Key Stage 1 children take part in synthetic phonics four times a week. Key Stage 2 children are also taught phonics (when appropriate) and spelling strategies, outlined in each year group’s National Curriculum documentation.
Reading
Reading is a fundamental part of all aspects of our curriculum. Our whole school reading spine emerses children within a topic and provides cross curricular links through English, History and Geography.
Children are exposed to high quality texts across the curriculum and also during reading for pleasure time where children can select a range of books from either their class library or school library.
Within our school library, the children can find a wide range of books which they have asked for, many of which promote diversity and inclusion. The high profile of reading in school is supported by parents at home and children take a reading book matched to their reading ability and a share book of their choice home each week.
Writing
Writing is taught across the school with the statutory framework for EYFS and National Curriculum at the core of all learning.
Quality texts are used as the vehicle for modelling and inspiring quality writing. Film clips, artefacts, visitors, author visits and real-life experiences provide exciting stimuli for all children and we aim to equip children with a rich and broad range of vocabulary.
High quality writing is modelled by teachers and children are encouraged to use their imagination and draw upon previous knowledge when writing through a range of genres.
At Our Lady and St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, we follow the Little Wandle phonics scheme, a comprehensive and fully inclusive systematic synthetic phonics programme approved by the DfE. Research shows that learning together promotes social inclusion and supports pupils who may need more time to progress.
Little Wandle is carefully designed to build children’s confidence and enjoyment in reading from the very beginning of their learning journey. It enables children to start reading real books as early as possible and helps them feel empowered, knowing that reading is for everyone.
Comprehension
Children are taught comprehension three times a week using the Complete Comprehension scheme. These sessions, along with wider curriculum opportunities, provide regular exposure to high-quality, rich discussion that deepens understanding and develops pupils’ ability to think critically about texts.
In EYFS, early comprehension is introduced through rich talk around images and wordless books. As children move through school, comprehension is taught alongside phonics, and throughout KS1 and KS2 the National Curriculum reading content domains are used to guide, structure, and broaden pupils’ understanding.
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