English

Intent

At St Margaret’s CE Primary School, we believe that English is both a subject in its own right and the foundation for learning across the curriculum. Our aim is to develop confident, thoughtful communicators who read widely, write with purpose, and speak with clarity.

Our intentions align with the National Curriculum and are:

• To ensure all pupils become fluent readers, expressive writers, and articulate speakers.
• To foster a lifelong love of reading and writing through engaging, inclusive texts.
• To support children in developing the skills needed to understand, analyse, and create a wide range of texts.
• To provide a consistent, high-quality English curriculum that reflects our diverse community and prepares pupils for the future.

Implementation

Reading

• Daily class reading sessions promote vocabulary, comprehension, and enjoyment.
• Every classroom has a vibrant book corner, and children visit our KS1 and KS2 libraries weekly.
• We use the VIPERS framework for whole-class Guided Reading from Year 2 onwards, focusing on key comprehension skills.
• Reading volunteers from the community support fluency and confidence.
• Reading is assessed through formative strategies, termly NFER tests, and PM Benchmarking.

Phonics

• We follow the Read Write Inc programme, with daily phonics sessions across EYFS and KS1.
• Assessment is both formative and summative, including the statutory Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.

Writing

• Writing units follow a consistent five-phase sequence:
  Engage & Establish → Explore as a Reader → Explore as a Writer → Evolve & Evaluate → Exhibit
• Pupils plan their writing using the acronym SPACE: Structure, Purpose, Audience, Composition, Effect.
• Final outcomes are shared or published to give writing real purpose.
• Working walls support current learning and writing development.
• Writing is assessed termly and moderated internally and externally.

Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar

• From Year 2, discrete spelling lessons follow the No Nonsense Spelling scheme.
• Grammar and punctuation are taught in context within writing units.
• Assessment includes independent writing and low-stakes quizzes.

Speaking and Listening

• Opportunities include drama, storytelling, discussions, peer feedback, and oral presentations.
• Staff model high-quality spoken language and encourage pupil voice.

Monitoring and Inclusion

• English teaching is monitored through learning walks, book looks, pupil voice, and moderation.
• Inclusion is supported through differentiated teaching and reference to the SEND policy.

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at St Margaret’s will:

• Be fluent, reflective readers who enjoy literature and understand its value.
• Write with clarity, creativity, and purpose across a range of genres.
• Speak confidently in a variety of contexts, expressing ideas clearly and respectfully.
• Demonstrate strong comprehension, grammar, and spelling skills.
• Value the process of learning and take pride in their achievements.

Our English curriculum equips children with the skills they need to succeed academically and socially, preparing them for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.

 

For more information about early reading and phonics - see our phonics page