At Shoreham Village School we want our children to grow to become outstanding writers, capable of expressing themselves thoughtfully and articulately across various genres. In order to achieve this, we provide our children with models of first class writing across fiction and non-fiction texts. We do this through our use of The Power of Reading from the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE).

The Power of Reading is CLPE’s proven resource which uses quality children’s literature and creative teaching approaches to develop a high quality literacy curriculum and foster a whole school love of reading and writing. To engage our children in the writing process, we ensure a variety of approaches to writing are used. For example, we use lots of drama games such as hot-seating and conscience alley, along with art to encourage even the most reluctant writers.

Underpinning our writing, we also take a rigorous approach to the teaching of grammar, spelling and handwriting.

The overarching aim for English 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 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.

Pupils begin their English journey with us during the Early Years Foundation Stage and the starting point of our curriculum design includes the areas for learning development of ‘Communication and Language’ and ‘Literacy’.  The curriculum we deliver in Reception lays the foundations for the learning that will take place in subsequent years.   

The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage can be found here

The National Curriculum Programme of Study for English for Years 1 to 6 can be found here.