English has an important place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently, so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others. The 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.

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.

English at St Joseph’s

English comprises of three main skills: speaking and listening, reading and writing. The EYFS follow the Curriculum Guidance for the Early Years Foundation Stage. The National Curriculum underpins our medium and short term planning across Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. Each class undertakes daily Literacy lessons but some aspects of Literacy such as spelling, grammar, punctuation may be taught outside of that lesson. Reading take place daily for both pleasure and learning across the school. In EYFS, KS1, and where appropriate KS2, pupils are taught discrete lessons in phonics following the through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme. KS1 and KS2 engage in extended writing opportunities across the curriculum to enable children to practise and apply their literacy skills.