English

English at Penwortham Primary School

At Penwortham Primary School, English sits at the heart of our curriculum and reflects The Penwortham Way. Through high-quality teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening, we equip pupils with the skills they need to communicate effectively, think critically and succeed across all areas of learning.

Our English curriculum supports pupils to:

Be Ready – with the literacy skills needed to access the full curriculum
Be Respectful – by listening carefully, valuing different viewpoints and using language thoughtfully
Be Responsible – by taking pride in their spoken and written communication

We are ambitious for every child and believe that strong English skills underpin lifelong learning.

Our English Curriculum Intent

Our English curriculum is designed to develop pupils who:

read fluently and with understanding
write clearly and creatively for a range of purposes
speak confidently and listen attentively
use language accurately and appropriately

We aim to ensure that all pupils, including those who find aspects of English challenging, are supported to achieve their full potential.

Reading in English

Reading is the foundation of our English curriculum.

Children begin their reading journey through systematic synthetic phonics, taught using Supersonic Phonics Friends in EYFS and Key Stage 1, and continued into Key Stage 2 where required. As pupils become secure readers, teaching focuses on developing fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.

Pupils are taught to:

decode words accurately
read with expression and confidence
understand, discuss and respond to a wide range of texts
apply reading skills across the curriculum

Reading is taught daily and is embedded in all subjects, enabling pupils to access knowledge and deepen their understanding.

Writing in English

Writing builds directly on reading. High-quality texts are used as models to support pupils in developing their own writing.

Pupils are taught to:

write for a range of purposes and audiences
apply spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately
plan, draft, edit and improve their writing
develop their own voice and style

Writing is taught through structured lessons that combine explicit instruction, modelling and regular opportunities for independent writing. Pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work and to see writing as a powerful tool for communication and expression.

Speaking and Listening

Oracy is a key part of our English curriculum. Pupils are supported to:

speak confidently and clearly
listen respectfully to others
participate in discussion and debate
explain ideas and opinions thoughtfully

Strong speaking and listening skills support pupils’ reading comprehension and writing development and help them become confident communicators.

Supporting All Learners

We recognise that children develop literacy skills at different rates. Pupils who need additional support in reading or writing are identified early and provided with targeted interventions.

Progress is monitored regularly, and teaching is adapted to ensure all pupils are supported and challenged appropriately. We work closely with families to support learning both at school and at home.