“Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.” – Barack Obama

English at Captains Close Primary School

Belonging · Ambition · Equity

English is at the heart of our curriculum. Strong reading, writing, speaking and listening skills open doors for every child – academically, socially and emotionally. Our English curriculum ensures pupils become confident readers, articulate speakers and skilled writers who can express themselves with clarity and creativity.

Our approach is shaped by the Discovery Trust DNA and grounded in evidence-informed practice.

Curriculum Intent

Our intent for English is to ensure all pupils:

• Become fluent, confident readers.
• Develop a love of reading.
• Write clearly, accurately and for purpose.
• Use ambitious vocabulary.
• Speak confidently and listen actively.
• Build strong knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
• Access a rich, diverse range of texts.
• Experience equity through adaptive teaching.

Curriculum Implementation

We deliver our English curriculum through:

Reading

• Systematic synthetic phonics.
• Daily reading practice.
• Fluency development.
• Comprehension strategies.
• Exposure to high-quality texts.
• Vocabulary instruction.
• Reading across the curriculum.

Writing

• Modelled, shared and guided writing.
• Grammar taught in context.
• Sentence-level instruction.
• Writing for real audiences and purposes.
• Editing and improving.
• Vocabulary development.
• Spelling instruction.

Oracy

• Structured talk routines.
• Oral rehearsal before writing.
• Debate and discussion.
• Drama and performance.
• Listening and responding.

Progression

• Long-term map.
• Reading progression.
• Writing progression.
• Grammar progression.
• Vocabulary progression.

Assessment

• Fluency checks.
• Comprehension tasks.
• Writing moderation.
• Spelling assessments.
• Pupil voice.
• Work scrutiny.

Curriculum Impact

We measure impact through:

• Reading fluency and comprehension.
• Quality of writing.
• Vocabulary use.
• Pupil voice.
• Work samples.
• Assessment information.

Pupils can:

• Talk confidently about texts.
• Use ambitious vocabulary.
• Write for different audiences and purposes.
• Apply grammar accurately.
• Read with fluency and understanding.

Protected Characteristics in English

We ensure pupils learn about and respect protected characteristics through:

• Diverse texts representing different cultures, families and identities.
• Authors from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Characters who challenge stereotypes.
• Discussions about fairness, equality and representation.
• Opportunities to explore themes such as disability, race, gender and religion.

British Values in English

British Values are woven through English lessons:

• Democracy: Debates, discussions and voting on class texts.
• Rule of Law: Understanding rules within stories and consequences.
• Individual Liberty: Encouraging personal responses to texts.
• Mutual Respect: Listening to others’ viewpoints.
• Tolerance: Exploring diverse characters, cultures and beliefs.

Long-Term Curriculum Map

A full long-term map for English can be found here.

Progression Documents

Our progression documents show how knowledge and skills build from EYFS to Year 6:

• Reading progression.
• Writing progression.
• Grammar progression.
• Vocabulary progression.
• Spelling progression.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly.

We focus on:

• Tier 1: everyday language.
• Tier 2: academic vocabulary.
• Tier 3: subject-specific terminology.

SEND & Equity

All pupils access the full English curriculum through:

• Adaptive teaching.
• Scaffolding
• Pre-teaching vocabulary.
• Additional reading practice.
• Regulation strategies.
• Personalised resources.

Enrichment & Wider Opportunities

English enrichment includes:

• Author visits.
• World Book Day.
• Poetry performances.
• Library sessions.
• Reading ambassadors.
• Writing competitions.
• Drama and performance.

How to Find Out More

Parents and carers can request further information about our English curriculum by contacting the school office.