Our school follows the National Curriculum for English as defined by the Department for Education. The National Curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding

• develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information

• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

• write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences

• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas

• are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

English at Bedford Drive Primary School

A high-quality English education enables pupils to read, write and speak with confidence and fluency. At Bedford Drive Primary School, carefully selected, high-quality literature lies at the heart of our English curriculum. Through reading, pupils acquire new knowledge, build upon what they already know and encounter people, places and experiences beyond their own lives.

Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on language acquisition and the explicit teaching of vocabulary. Mastering spoken and written language enables children to express themselves, participate fully in society and access every area of the curriculum.

Being a reader at Bedford Drive means:

1. Developing a love of reading by enjoying a rich and diverse range of stories, poems, plays and non-fiction texts.

2. Becoming a fluent and confident reader by developing secure phonics knowledge, accurate word reading, an increasing reading pace and expressive phrasing.

3. Understanding and responding to texts by retrieving information, exploring vocabulary, making inferences, predicting, summarising and discussing authors’ choices.

4. Making connections between texts, personal experiences and wider knowledge, recognising that new learning builds upon what we already know.

5. Learning about ourselves and others by encountering different people, cultures, places, ideas and experiences through carefully selected literature.

6. Developing culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually through meaningful engagement with a wide range of texts.

Being a writer at Bedford Drive means:

1. Writing with purpose by communicating ideas, information and emotions clearly for a range of audiences and purposes.

2. Developing creativity and an individual voice by making thoughtful choices about vocabulary, structure and style.

3. Understanding the writing process by gathering ideas, planning, drafting, revising, proofreading, editing and publishing work.

4. Applying spelling, punctuation and grammar accurately so that writing is clear, coherent and effective.

5. Writing fluently and legibly by developing secure handwriting and transcription skills.

6. Using ambitious vocabulary confidently by exploring, discussing and applying new words in meaningful contexts.

7. Developing confidence and perseverance by taking risks with language, responding positively to feedback and recognising that revision is an important part of becoming a successful writer.

Being a speaker at Bedford Drive means:

1. Listening carefully and respectfully to the ideas, opinions and experiences of others.

2. Speaking clearly, confidently and fluently for a range of audiences and purposes.

3. Using talk to develop thinking by discussing ideas, asking and answering questions, explaining reasoning and rehearsing sentences aloud.

4. Building vocabulary and language by learning, using and revisiting new words and sentence structures.

5. Expressing and justifying ideas by giving reasons, making connections and responding thoughtfully to different viewpoints.

6. Participating purposefully in conversations, collaborative discussions, presentations, performances and debates.

7. Developing confidence as a communicator so that pupils are prepared to participate fully in school, society and their future lives.