Intent

At St George’s, we believe that language is the key to learning. Our English curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils become fluent readers, confident writers and articulate speakers, enabling them to access the full curriculum and participate successfully in the wider world.

Reading is prioritised as the foundation of learning. Research shows that reading proficiency strongly predicts future academic success (EEF, 2017; DfE Reading Framework, 2023). We therefore aim to develop lifelong readers by immersing pupils in high-quality literature and providing systematic instruction in the skills required to read with accuracy, fluency and understanding.

Early reading is taught through the Sounds-Write systematic synthetic phonics programme, which follows an incremental, code-oriented approach to developing secure decoding and spelling. This approach is supported by extensive research demonstrating that systematic phonics is the most effective way to teach early reading.

Across the school, pupils engage with a carefully selected reading spine of diverse, ambitious texts that broaden knowledge, develop vocabulary and allow pupils to explore cultures, perspectives and experiences beyond their own. Through this exposure to high-quality literature, we aim to ignite a lifelong love of reading.

Writing is developed through a carefully sequenced curriculum rooted in rich texts and meaningful contexts. Drawing on approaches such as Talk for Writing and explicit modelling, pupils develop a strong understanding of narrative, language structures and authorial choices. Over time, pupils learn to write clearly, accurately and purposefully for a range of audiences and purposes.

A strong focus on vocabulary development, spoken language and language-rich classrooms supports pupils to express their ideas effectively. Through this approach, pupils gain the knowledge and confidence to communicate their thoughts, ideas and emotions with clarity and creativity.

Implementation

Our English curriculum is delivered through a structured and progressive approach to reading, writing and spoken language.

Early Reading

• Systematic phonics is taught daily through the Sounds-Write programme from Reception.

• Pupils read fully decodable books matched to their phonics knowledge, ensuring early success and building reading fluency.

• Once pupils have secured the extended code, they move onto the school’s selection of reading books, which ensures challenge and supports accurate assessment of reading development.

Reading Development

• Reading is taught through explicit comprehension instruction, including reciprocal reading strategies such as predicting, questioning, clarifying and summarising.

• Pupils regularly read independently, aloud and with adults, promoting both fluency and enjoyment.

• A carefully selected reading spine of high-quality texts is embedded across the curriculum.

• Our school library and reading events, such as World Book Day and readathons, promote a strong culture of reading for pleasure.

Writing

• Writing is inspired by high-quality texts and meaningful contexts.

• In the Early Years, Talk for Writing methods develops storytelling, oral language and early writing stamina.

• As pupils progress, teachers use explicit modelling, shared writing and guided practice to teach the craft of writing.

• Pupils develop an understanding of purpose, audience, grammar and vocabulary through carefully sequenced units.

Transcription

• Spelling patterns and rules are taught systematically.

• Handwriting is developed through the Letter-Join programme, supporting pupils to write with fluency and pride in presentation.

Impact

By the time pupils leave St George’s, they are:

• Fluent, confident readers who read widely for both pleasure and purpose.

• Able to decode unfamiliar words, read with increasing fluency and comprehend complex texts.

• Confident writers who can write accurately and creatively for a range of purposes and audiences.

• Equipped with a rich and ambitious vocabulary that supports learning across the curriculum.

• Able to articulate ideas clearly through spoken and written language.

Our pupils develop a genuine love of reading and writing, enabling them to become curious learners who can engage with the world through language.