The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. 

 Our writing curriculum ensures that all pupils: 

• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language  

• write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences  

• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas  

• are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate. 

We endeavour to teach children to read and write independently, as quickly as possible, and believe this is one of the core purposes of a primary school. These fundamental skills not only hold the key to the rest of the curriculum but also have a huge impact on children’s self-esteem and future life chances.  

Each new unit for English starts with a beautiful, high-quality text. By placing books at the core of our writing curriculum, we ensure that reading is valued across the school and that curriculum time is devoted toward the acquisition of vocabulary and the teaching of reading related skills. We believe that a context for learning is vital – and our chosen approach ensures that objectives for reading and writing, including those for grammar can have 
purpose.  

Our chosen texts offer opportunities for empathy and philosophical enquiry, developing the spoken language though through debate, drama and discussion, which will spark their imagination. Our texts have been specifically chosen so that pupils are exposed to:  

• Classic novels  

• The works of Shakespeare  

• Current and controversial world affairs, e.g. ‘global warming’ and ‘gender equality’ 

• Variety of different cultures, ethnicities and faiths through stories 

• Books which are relevant to our locality and community 

Our writing curriculum gives opportunities for children to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and creatively through the written word. Planning gives exposure to a range of genres and purpose to write and aims for writing opportunities to be meaningful; whether short or long and that the audience is clear. Books offer this opportunity; our final aim would be that children have real reasons to write, whether to explain, persuade, inform or instruct and that where possible, this can be embedded within the text or linked to a curriculum area. Writing in role using a range of genres is key to our approach as is writing a critique of the text and making comparisons – all writing skills that will support children in preparation for their time in secondary school.  We intend to create writers who can re-read, edit and improve their writing and confidently use the essential skills of grammar, punctuation and spelling.  

We set high expectation for our children to take pride in their work and have a fluent, cursive handwriting style.