English Curriculum

Policy Statement

At West Hampstead Primary School, we understand that language plays a critical role in the development of every child and is fundamental to all learning.

Our English policy follows a whole-school approach and embraces the full range of literacy skills. This shows our commitment to raising children’s standards of achievement in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Having access to a rich language empowers children to not only communicate in functional, factual ways, but also to explore more creative, fulfilling avenues in learning and play.

At West Hampstead Primary School, we follow a curriculum where reading and writing is purposeful and motivational.

Our Intent

Our intent is that children are taught the essential knowledge and skills that will allow them to talk, read and write with confidence and pleasure, this in turn will provide them with the cultural capital that will improve their life skills. In order to deliver this intent, we follow the aims and objectives below.

Our Aims and Objectives

Our aims and objectives are:

to extend and develop the knowledge of language children bring from home by providing a wide range of linguistic experiences.
to be effective, competent communicators and good listeners.
to express opinions, articulate feelings and formulate responses to a range of texts both narrative and non-fiction using appropriate vocabulary.
to ensure that all pupils can read easily, fluently and with good understanding and develop the habit of reading widely and often, both for pleasure and information.
to ensure that all pupils acquire a wide vocabulary, a thorough understanding of grammar, punctuation and spelling together with a knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
to ensure that all pupils appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage.
to ensure that all pupils write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in a range of contexts, genres and audiences.
to increase the children’s ability to use planning, drafting and editing to improve their work.
to develop every child’s understanding of the spoken word and their capacity to express themselves effectively in a variety of speaking and listening activities, matching style and response to audience and purpose.
to ensure that all pupils use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.
to provide high quality literacy experiences outside designated English lessons through a cross-curricular topic approach.
to produce effective, well-presented written work across the Curriculum.

Legislation and Guidance

This policy reflects the requirements of the National Curriculum programmes of study, which all maintained schools in England must teach.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/335186/PRIMARY_national_curriculum_-_English_220714.pdf