English

At Lowerhouses CE Primary School, we want our children to love reading and writing, to enjoy it for its own sake, and to recognise its importance in helping them become successful communicators. English is at the heart of our curriculum because it underpins every other subject. By developing confident readers, writers, speakers and listeners, we equip our pupils with the tools they need to thrive academically and socially, both now and in the future.

✍️ Writing

Intent

• Writing is a central part of learning from Foundation Stage through Year 6.

• We aim to nurture children as authors in their own right, giving them a clear understanding of the writing process.

• Pupils are encouraged to write for a range of purposes and audiences, exploring different genres and styles.

• We broaden vocabulary and grammar knowledge so children can express themselves with precision and creativity.

• Our goal is for pupils to consciously control their writing, using Standard English confidently and appropriately.

Implementation

• Daily English lessons are carefully sequenced to build skills progressively.

• Teachers model writing strategies, guiding pupils through planning, drafting, editing, and publishing.

• Children are given opportunities to write across the wider curriculum, reinforcing skills in meaningful contexts.

• Handwriting is taught regularly through a cursive programme, with expectations that pupils apply this script in everyday writing.

• ICT is used to support writing, allowing children to publish and present their work in varied formats.

Impact

• Pupils produce independent writing pieces within each unit, assessed against clear criteria.

• Ongoing formative assessment helps teachers identify strengths and address gaps quickly.

• Children are encouraged to self‑evaluate, using “purple polishing pens” to edit and improve their work.

• Progress is closely monitored, and targeted interventions are provided for those who need additional support.

• By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are confident, fluent writers who can adapt their style to suit different purposes and audiences.

 

📖 Reading

Intent

• Reading is prioritised because it unlocks access to the whole curriculum.

• We believe vocabulary development is essential for comprehension and learning.

• Pupils are exposed to a wide range of genres and text types, chosen to inspire enjoyment and broaden horizons.

• Reading is also a social activity: we share stories, invite authors, and encourage children to talk about books.

• Our aim is to develop lifelong readers who see books as both a source of knowledge and pleasure.

Implementation

• Phonics is taught systematically every day, beginning in Early Years, using the Letters and Sounds scheme.

• Parents are engaged through workshops and practical sessions to support reading at home.

• Our reading scheme includes Phonics Bug, Oxford Reading Tree, and Bug Club online, matched carefully to each child’s level.

• As fluency develops, pupils progress through a book banding system and are guided to make independent book choices.

• Whole Class Reading sessions expose children to more challenging texts, with teachers modelling strategies and leading rich discussions.

• Weekly library loans and highlighted authors encourage breadth and variety in reading.

Impact

• Progress is tracked through ongoing formative assessment and three key assessment points each year.

• Teachers use observations, questioning, and feedback to monitor comprehension and engagement.

• Assessment outcomes inform planning, ensuring misconceptions are addressed and learning gaps closed.

• Pupils leave Lowerhouses as confident, enthusiastic readers who can tackle a wide range of texts with understanding and enjoyment.

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📚 Parent Resources for English Support