English

Like most state funded schools, we follow the National Curriculum to ensure that the teaching and learning of English is broad and balanced. This was reviewed in light of national changes to the National Curriculum for England and Wales.

English lessons take place every day, which are inclusive of contextual grammar retrieval activities and Shared Reading lessons occur four times weekly to ensure full coverage and an emphasis on core reading skills. 

Phonics is introduced to the curriculum from entry into Year R as children develop early reading skills. We follow the "Read, Write, Inc" programme from Year R-2 and then for some children in Year 3 and 4.

Our phonics programme is based on stage not age, with the children progressing through stage as necessary in relation to their reading and comprehension skills and ability. Our children are able to access appropriate books that correlate to their reading age to encourage reading for fluency. Pupils are also encouraged to choose books from our library to develop their love of reading. 

In Key Stage 2, children follow the Accelerated Reader programme, which adds a competitive edge to reading for pleasure.