English

ST. GEORGE'S AMBITION FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS

At St. George’s Primary School, we deliver a creative and rigorous English curriculum that meets the requirements of the National Curriculum across all phases: EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2. Our bespoke curriculum reflects our locality and heritage while embracing national themes and celebrations that enrich learning. Lessons are adapted appropriately and children are provided with the foundational knowledge that acts as the building blocks to succeed as they move through life whether through, reading, writing and effective communication: speaking and listening.

Our Approach

Text-Based Learning:

English planning is built around high-quality texts—fiction, non-fiction, and poetry—that inspire and engage learners. These texts act as a ‘hook’ for learning and often link to other curriculum areas. A variety of text genre (novels/picture book/extracts) or visual/auditory literacy stimuli (i.e. Literacy Shed+) are used within year groups to celebrate traditional children's favourites, the classics and texts that address current issues in society/protected characteristics.

Phonics and Early Reading:

We follow the Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS) phonics scheme, which is central in EYFS and Key Stage 1 and reinforced throughout the school.

Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling (GPS): GPS and handwriting are taught systematically across all year groups, preparing pupils for end-of-key-stage expectations.

Writing Development:

Using strategies such as Talk for Writing and guidance from the DfE Writing Framework (July 2025) and EEF research, We immerse pupils in text types, building oracy, transcription, and composition skills. Monthly Target Write sessions allow children to produce independent writing which is moderated internally and across the Chesil Collaboration and with other Dorset schools.

Oracy:

Children use a variety of speaking and listening strategies to discuss new and prior learning , and to generate ideas. We have also established a planned programme of opportunities for the children to develop their oracy skills of performing and presenting at open days, guided tours, talking in assembly, reading passages of text, narrating and drama performances (Appendix 3).

Enrichment and Celebration: We celebrate reading and writing through themed events such as World Book Day/Week, author visits, workshops, and trips to plays/theatres/musicals. These experiences bring English to life, foster a love of reading, and strengthen home-school partnerships. We have

Timetabling English is taught daily during morning sessions, alongside dedicated time for Guided Reading, Phonics, and Handwriting. Extended sessions are planned for Target Write lessons to ensure high-quality outcomes. Teachers plan high-quality learning opportunities and lessons with creativity and flexibility whilst adhering to the requirements of the year group/phase/Key Stage.

At St. George’s, our aim is simple: to develop confident, articulate, and enthusiastic readers and writers who are prepared for the next stage of their learning journey.

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

“Only a generation of readers will spawn a generation of writers.” - Steven Spielberg