At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and spoken language. We aim to inspire an appreciation of our rich and varied literary heritage and a habit of reading widely and often. We recognise the importance of nurturing a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts. We want our children to be confident in the art of speaking and listening and to use discussion to communicate and further develop their learning.

We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge-base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. We believe that a secure basis in English skills is crucial to a high-quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society.

For any further information about our English curriculum, please feel free to contact Mrs Joanne Preston ( Subject Lead) or Mrs Elizabeth Smallwood (English Governor). 

English Intent Document

Curriculum overview 2024-25

Key Learning in Reading

Early Reading

In Early Years the focus is on developing children’s language and communication skills through the Foundation Stage Curriculum. Early matching, categorising and sorting activities are used to develop visual discrimination skills.

An interest in books is developed by sharing stories, songs and rhymes, fostering opportunities to talk and re-enact stories or follow children’s interests through information books. Books are shared with the children daily and children are stimulated to look at and talk about story and information books. Throughout child-initiated learning time, children have the opportunity to explore books of their own interest in quiet and inviting book areas. Print has a high profile in our environment and library books are changed weekly.

As children progress into Reception, reading is taught using synthetic phonics as the main approach to reading. Children are systematically taught the phonemes (sounds), how to blend the sounds all through the word for reading and how to segment the sounds in order to write the words. They are taught to use their phonic skills and knowledge as their first approach to reading. Children’s progress is continually reviewed.

Throughout Foundation Stage and Key Stage One discrete phonics sessions are planned for and taught daily following the Essential Letters and Sounds programme. These sessions enable the children to learn specific sounds through structured sessions. Class teachers must ensure that children are using a phonics first approach to their reading. They should sound out known sounds and blend them together to read. Children who need to further develop phonic knowledge, in particular their recognition of the 44 sounds as shown in Essential Letters and Sounds, must have a clear programme for progression. They will be supported and closely monitored by their class teacher.

For any further information about Early Reading, please feel free to contact Miss Hannah Wade (Subject Lead) or Mrs Liz Smallwood (Early Reading Governor). 

Early Reading Intent Document