English Curriculum
We follow a two year rolling programme in English based on the whole school approaches 'Talk for Writing' and 'Talk for Reading'.
Please follow the links below to see an overview of our English curriculum and progression in this subject:
Writing Overview Writing Progression
Foundational knowledge Writing ProgressionSentence Writing Progression
Phonics Progression Reading ProgressionGrammar Progression
Our Approach to Literacy
At Beech Grove Primary School, we believe that literacy has the power to transform lives. Through high-quality texts, rich vocabulary, purposeful discussion and meaningful writing experiences, we strive to develop confident readers, enthusiastic writers and effective communicators. We want every child to develop a lifelong love of literature, a strong command of language and the confidence to share their ideas with the world.
We place carefully chosen, high-quality literature at the heart of our English curriculum. Through stories, novels, poetry and non-fiction, children develop a love of reading, deepen their understanding of the world and learn how authors use language to inform, entertain and inspire. These same texts provide the foundation for our writing curriculum, enabling children to write with increasing confidence, accuracy and creativity.
Our approach is underpinned by Re-think Reading and BookWrites programmes, both of which place authentic, high-quality texts at the centre of learning. Through carefully sequenced teaching, children build strong mental models that enable them to make connections, apply learning confidently and become increasingly independent in their literacy journey. We ensure that all children develop secure transcription skills, including handwriting, spelling and sentence construction, through high-quality first teaching and carefully targeted interventions that build from each child’s individual starting point.
Reading
"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." Frederick Douglass
Reading is at the very heart of our curriculum. We believe that reading enables children to access the wider curriculum, develop their understanding of the world and build the vocabulary they need to communicate effectively.
Early Reading and Phonics
In Reception and Key Stage 1, children are taught through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme. Daily phonics lessons provide children with the knowledge and skills needed to become accurate and fluent readers.
We are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a successful reader. Where additional support is needed, carefully targeted interventions enable children to build on their starting points and secure the essential knowledge and skills required for future success.
Re-think Reading
From Key Stage 1 and throughout Key Stage 2, reading is taught through Re-think Reading approach. Using high-quality whole texts, including novels, picture books, poetry and non-fiction, children develop comprehension, vocabulary and a deep understanding of literature. Children discuss, question, infer, explain and respond thoughtfully to what they read, helping them become reflective and enthusiastic readers.
Children are encouraged to discuss and explain their ideas, ask and answer thoughtful questions, develop vocabulary through rich texts, justify opinions using evidence and read increasingly complex literature.
Writing
️ "Writing is the painting of the voice."
Voltaire
In Reception, children begin their journey as writers through Drawing Club in Reception class. Using high-quality stories and engaging experiences, Drawing Club encourages children to listen, talk, imagine, draw and create. Rich vocabulary, storytelling and discussion sit at the heart of every session, helping children develop confidence as communicators and fostering a love of writing from the very beginning.
We believe that enthusiasm, creativity and a positive attitude towards writing are essential foundations for future success. The excitement and engagement developed through Drawing Club provide the building blocks for children's continued development as writers throughout Key Stage 1 and beyond.
BookWrites
At Beech Grove Primary School, writing is taught through the BookWrites approach. BookWrites uses carefully selected, high-quality children's literature as the stimulus for learning and provides a structured sequence that enables children to develop both the craft of writing and a love of language. Children learn to write by studying the choices made by skilled authors before applying these techniques in their own writing.
Elicitation Task
At the beginning of each writing sequence, children complete an independent writing task. This enables teachers to identify existing knowledge and tailor learning to meet the needs of the class.
Exploring the Text
Children become immersed in the model text through reading, discussion, vocabulary exploration and close analysis. They learn to understand how authors achieve particular effects and begin to identify the techniques that make writing successful.
Practising Writing
Teachers explicitly model the writing process, demonstrating how authors make choices and craft their work. Children apply their learning through shared and guided writing activities before moving towards greater independence.
Independent Writing
Children use their knowledge of the model text to create their own pieces of writing. They plan, draft, revise and edit their work, making thoughtful authorial choices and developing increasing independence as writers.
Handwriting, Spelling and Transcription
We recognise that strong transcription skills are essential for children to write fluently and effectively.
Handwriting is taught through the Read Write Inc. Handwriting programme, which provides a clear progression from the mark-making and letter formation skills developed in Reception through to fluent, legible handwriting across Key Stages 1 and 2. We carefully monitor progress and provide a range of targeted and individualised interventions to ensure that every child develops secure transcription skills from their own starting point.
Children also receive explicit teaching in spelling, grammar and sentence construction. By securing these foundational skills, children are better able to focus on composition, creativity and authorial intent.
Speaking and Listening
"If you can tell a story, ask a question and share an idea, you have the tools to change the world."
At Beech Grove Primary School, we recognise that spoken language is fundamental to learning. Through purposeful discussion, children develop the vocabulary, confidence and communication skills needed to become successful readers, writers and learners.
Children are provided with regular opportunities to discuss texts and share ideas, explain and justify their thinking, ask and answer thoughtful questions, build on the contributions of others, present their learning, apply ambitious vocabulary and participate confidently in collaborative learning.
High-quality classroom discussion is woven throughout the curriculum. Through book talk, partner talk, collaborative tasks and curriculum-based discussions, children learn to listen carefully, communicate clearly and express themselves with increasing confidence and precision.
Reading for Pleasure and Enrichment
Developing a lifelong love of reading and writing is one of our key priorities. Throughout the year, children enjoy a wide range of enrichment opportunities designed to celebrate literacy and inspire a passion for books and storytelling.
These include author and illustrator visits, visits from the local library, World Book Day celebrations, daily opportunities to enjoy high-quality class texts and whole-school writing days every half term.
These experiences help children see themselves as readers and writers, broaden their horizons and create lasting memories linked to literacy.
