It is the intent of our English curriculum is to:
- Build confident and capable readers to aid in current and future learning in all areas.
- Build skills in comprehension including retrieval, sequencing, inference and authorial intent.
- Create articulate writers in an array of text types which will stem from articulate speakers.
English, as a core subject, will be taught daily throughout the timetable. We recognise the need for English to maintain a core time every morning as learning to read will be the basis for all future learning.
Handwriting
We teach handwriting from Reception, starting with the core strength of the body. We follow the Kinetic Letters programme, click on the link for more information Kinetic Letters Hand writing programme
In EYFS and Year 1 there is strong focus on securing strong foundations for children to master correct letter formation to build fluency and automaticity.
Phonics
Please follow the link to the Phonics page to find out more.
Spelling
Spelling lessons follow the CUSP curriculum and are taught daily. They include:
- Revisit (daily)
- Spelling rule (Introduction and revisit daily)
- Definitions (including word origins, root words, meaning of suffixes or prefixes)
- Syllabification
- Short Dictations
Spelling will be assessed through CUSP termly assessments.
In EYFS children begin by learning to spell words phonetically by segmenting sounds, alongside this they learn the spellings of High Frequency Words. There is dedicated time each day for children to master this.
Reading
Reading is the beating heart of everything we do as a school!
Our reading curriculum is built upon the CUSP curriculum which provides a literature spine for reading with additional texts and extracts to aid in a range of reading opportunities. All lessons include some form of reading and adaptations are made to support children to access the texts where required.
Children will start the day by voting for their preferred text in which the most popular will be read to the class. This is followed by a class chapter book which is shared with the children to snuggle up after a busy day of learning and have some Hygge time!

Reception Literature spine
Visit the EYFS page to find out more about the Reception Literature spine:
KS1 and KS2 CUSP Literature Spine
Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

The Oak library- the heart of the school
Our warm and welcoming library boasts a wide selection of quality fiction and non-fiction books that the children can take home to share. Children have regular opportunities to visit the library look at books and listen to stories and texts. The soft lighting, calm music and editing range of books makes it irresistible for our school community!
