English
Subject Leader - Mrs. Zoe Marsden
Intent
Children will develop skills and knowledge that will enable them to communicate creatively and effectively in the world at large through spoken and written language and with confidence. Children will enjoy and appreciate language and its rich variety. Children will read for enjoyment.
The teaching of English includes specific elements of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation, phonics, handwriting, speaking and listening.
Phonics and Reading
At Harby C of E Primary School, we believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic synthetic phonics programme. From Reception, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised progression, which ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school. As a result, our children are able to tackle any unfamiliar words as they read.
At Harby Church of England Primary School, we value reading as a crucial life skill. By the time children leave us, they read confidently for meaning and regularly enjoy reading for pleasure. Our readers are equipped with the tools to tackle unfamiliar vocabulary. We encourage our children to see themselves as readers for both pleasure and purpose.
Spelling
In EYFS and KS1 phonics and spelling are taught using the Little Wandle Phonics Scheme. In KS2 spelling is taught through a structured, progressive approach using the Twinkl Spelling Scheme.
Handwriting
Teaching handwriting explicitly, systematically and progressively in line with the DfE Writing Framework, enables learners to acquire the automaticity in transcription necessary for effective written communication. Teaching Handwriting from the beginning of Reception facilitates the successful development of handwriting and physical skills. This frees up pupils' working memory, allowing them to focus on the composition of their ideas. Harby Church of England Primary School strives for all pupils to achieve a legible, consistent and fluent handwriting style, enabling them to express their knowledge and understanding confidently across the entire curriculum. This includes establishing consistent ‘ready to write’ routines and providing appropriate resources to support every learner’s development.
Writing
At Harby Church of England Primary School, we recognise that writing is a fundamental skill that underpins pupils’ success across the curriculum and in later life. This policy outlines our approach to the teaching and learning of writing in line with the expectations of the DfE Writing Framework (2025), The National Curriculum (2014) and the EYFS Framework. We are committed to developing confident, fluent and independent writers who can communicate effectively for a range of purposes and audiences.
Oracy
Oracy plays a central role in teaching and learning at Harby C Of E primary School. Children are explicitly taught both how to speak and how to listen. Through talk, they are supported to discuss, perform, debate and express themselves across a range of contexts and for varied purposes. We aim to develop pupils' confidence and skills in speaking and listening by encouraging them to value different viewpoints and engage in meaningful, purposeful conversations.
English Policy and Progression Documents
Please click on the links below to access our English policy and school progression documents that support the planning and development of teaching and learning in English.