English
Intent
When teaching the English curriculum at Edleston, it is our intention that our pupils acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to become lifelong learners. We aim to develop in our pupils the ability to communicate effectively, not only in their speech and writing, but by helping our pupils to actively listen too. It is our intention to ensure that early readers acquire phonics knowledge and develop language comprehension and to immerse all pupils in the wonders of quality texts to instil a love for reading, a passion for discovery and the confidence to explore their imagination. We feel strongly that a love of books can be the key to unlock a successful future for our pupils, as Elizabeth Hardwick stated:
‘The greatest gift is a passion for reading’.
Implementation
Our curriculum is designed to build on what pupils already know and can already do. The order in which knowledge and skills are taught is therefore crucial. Our curriculum ensures that pupils are taught concepts and skills in an order that enables them to make useful connections that are not misapprehensions.
Impact
We strive to ensure that our children's attainment is in line or exceeds their potential when we consider the varied starting points of all our children. We measure and track progress termly using a range of materials, whilst always considering the national age-related expectations for each year group. At all stages and on an ongoing basis, we address gaps for all pupils. We do this by choosing appropriate texts and activities in guided reading sessions and through group or individual targeted interventions. For those children with a significant gap between their chronological age and their reading age we provide interventions, or more regular 1:1 reading with an adult. We ensure that all children listen to quality texts.
We intend the impact of our English curriculum will ensure our pupils are academically achieving their full potential and prepared for life beyond primary school.
Writing at Edleston
Our writing curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children. We follow the award-winning Ready Steady Write from Literacy Counts to develop confident, independent and successful writers with high aspirations. Our writing curriculum is research-informed and impact-proven, carefully designed to support all children to master the foundational skills and write for a clear audience and purpose. Through the use of high-quality, vocabulary-rich texts, we provide exciting and meaningful reasons to write. Children are immersed in literature and taught to craft their writing with precision, using a range of pedagogical approaches, including sentence accuracy, modelled writing and shared writing, as well as regular opportunities for editing. We value spoken language as a foundation for writing. Through structured talk, drama and vocabulary exploration, children learn how to organise and express their ideas clearly before writing them down. Our aim is for every child – regardless of need – to write fluently and take pride in their work. We want our pupils to leave primary school as enthusiastic writers, ready for the next stage of their education.
Spelling at Edleston
Our spelling curriculum is designed to provide a broad and balanced education that meets the needs of all children. We follow the award-recognised Ready Steady Spell by Literacy Counts to ensure that all pupils become fluent, accurate spellers. Our spelling curriculum is research-informed and impact-proven, helping children secure the essential skills and strategies they need to spell confidently across the curriculum. Through engaging activities, consistent teaching routines and regular opportunities to revisit prior learning, we help children move spelling knowledge into their long-term memory. Our aim is to build confident writers who are equipped with the tools they need to communicate clearly and effectively. Spelling is taught in a clear and systematic way, with regular reviews and assessments. Additional support is provided through Ready Steady Spell: Go sessions, which offer targeted intervention for pupils who need further consolidation.