English national curriculum

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 language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

- read easily, fluently and with good understanding

- develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information

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

- appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

- 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.

The intent

To equip children with a high standard of spoken and written language, ready for the next stage of learning.

Children will develop a love of reading, acquire a wide range of vocabulary, become competent oral communicators and enjoy expressing themselves through writing.

From Nursery to Year six children will be exposed to a wide range of quality literature and be given the opportunity to speak fluently and with confidence in any context.

Children will develop a range of writing skills that allow them to communicate effectively for variety of purposes and audiences.

‘Vocabulary enables us to interpret and to express. If you have a limited vocabulary, you will also have a limited vision and a limited future.’
John Rohn

‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.’
Dr Seuss

‘You can make anything by writing.’
C.S.Lewis