English
English in Our Federation: Be the Light – Read, Write, Express
English in our Federation is a vibrant and purposeful journey that begins in the earliest years of a child’s education. In the EYFS, children develop the foundations of reading and writing through play, exploration, and storytelling. They learn to listen, speak, and recognise sounds and letters, beginning to link these skills to early reading and mark-making. Through activities such as story-based play, phonics games, and role-play, our youngest learners start to see that reading and writing are tools they can use to communicate, imagine, and explore.
As pupils move through school, their English knowledge and skills become increasingly sophisticated. Our carefully sequenced curriculum ensures that children revisit and build upon key concepts such as comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and composition. Pupils progress from simple sentence construction and early phonics to ambitious writing across a wide range of genres and complex texts. They learn to think critically, edit and improve their writing, and apply their skills independently, developing confidence as capable and expressive communicators.
Reading is at the heart of our English curriculum. Children are regularly exposed to carefully chosen VIPERS texts that are designed to inspire, challenge, and engage. Our texts are selected to provide powerful messages, celebrate diversity, and reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Wherever possible, we link our reading to learning in other subjects, helping pupils make meaningful connections across the curriculum. We also work closely with our local bookshop to enrich our provision, ensuring that children have access to high-quality, engaging, and relevant texts.
Writing is purposeful and authentic, with children encouraged to express ideas, inform, entertain, and persuade for a range of audiences. Oracy is embedded throughout, giving pupils opportunities to discuss, debate, and articulate their thinking clearly before putting it into writing. Beyond the classroom, pupils are encouraged to write for real audiences through local and national competitions, collaborative projects, and community initiatives, allowing them to take pride in their work and see the impact of their words.
We believe English is about possibility and empowerment. Children are encouraged to see themselves as readers, writers, and thinkers who can use language to communicate, create, and inspire. Through collaborative work, rich texts, and meaningful writing opportunities, pupils develop pride in their achievements, resilience, and a love of learning.
Our aim is to nurture curious, confident, and ambitious learners who are prepared for a world in which reading and writing open doors to knowledge, creativity, and opportunity. Through English, we encourage children to think deeply, express themselves clearly, and make connections across their learning. We want our pupils to be the light: to shine with ideas, to tell their stories, and to inspire others through the power of language.
Subject Information and Progression
English PROGRESSION Januray 2026Key Stage 1 overview
English Long Term Overview KS1Key Stage 2 overview
English Long term Overview KS2Resources
Below are some links to websites that promote and support a positive attitude to reading and writing.
https://readingagency.org.uk/about/impact/002-reading-facts-1/
https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
https://creativewritingink.co.uk/courses/creative-writing-course-for-children/
https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/competitions-for-children/childrens-writing-competitions/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zpccwmn
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zv48q6f