English

Vision

At Wembley Primary School, our vision for our English curriculum is to cultivate a lifelong love for language, literacy, and effective communication skills in every pupil. We aim to empower our pupils with a strong foundation in English language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, enabling them to express themselves effectively and engage with the world. We are committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment where each child can develop the skills, confidence, and passion necessary to excel in English. We aim to prepare them to contribute to a diverse and interconnected world as skilled communicators, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners.

 

Intent

Our intention is to provide a high-quality English curriculum that inspires and challenges all pupils to be confident, lifelong readers and writers who are equipped with the crucial skills they need to communicate effectively in the 21st century. Our intent is aligned with the National Curriculum for English, ensuring that our pupils meet age-related expectations and are prepared for the next stage of their education.

 

Implementation

To achieve this intention, we implement a broad and cohesive English programme that is rich in literature, language, and literary heritage that reflects our diverse community. Our teaching is adaptive, responsive, and personalised to meet the individual needs of our pupils, including those with SEND, EAL or who are disadvantaged.

Our curriculum incorporates a range of core quality texts and genres, with a focus on challenging and enriching vocabulary and timeless classics that expose pupils to new and exciting concepts, themes, and issues. Pupils are encouraged and supported to read widely and for pleasure, with an emphasis on developing their inferential and critical reading skills.

We also provide ample opportunities for pupils to develop their writing skills across a range of genres, purposes and audiences. Our teaching focuses on building pupils' confidence in their writing abilities by providing explicit teaching, modelled writing, and opportunities for practice and feedback that allows pupils to apply their understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on speaking and listening skills, recognising that these are essential to pupils' academic success and life beyond the school gates. Our teaching provides opportunities for pupils to practise and develop their communication skills in a range of contexts, including through drama, performance poetry and through the range of school elected student bodies.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every pupil, regardless of background or ability, feels supported and encouraged to become effective communicators in a multicultural world.

We believe in the power of collaborative learning, encouraging both parents and pupils to work together, share ideas, and develop a sense of community that fosters a supportive learning environment.

 

Impact

Through our high-quality English curriculum, our pupils will become confident, creative, and motivated lifelong readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. They will achieve well academically, including achieving high standards in reading, writing, and spoken language. Pupils will also develop a love of literature, a deep understanding of the language and a broad appreciation of its rich heritage. Our pupils will leave us equipped with the skills, knowledge, and passion for English to excel throughout their academic studies and beyond.

Results in statutory assessments consistently meet and often exceed national expectations, across all aspects of English. The majority of our pupils become confident and enthusiastic readers, with a thirst for knowledge and a love for literature that extends beyond their time in our school.

Our English provision plays a significant role in developing pupils' wellbeing and personal development. Building strong literacy skills boosts pupils' self-confidence and enables them to express themselves effectively. Pupils develop resilience, empathy, and a love for lifelong learning through engaging with a broad range of texts and collaborating in meaningful discussions. They become culturally aware, embracing diversity and celebrating the richness of literature from various backgrounds.

Our inclusive approach to English ensures that all pupils, regardless of their background or ability, can access and succeed in the subject. We provide targeted interventions and tailored support for those who require it. Pupils with SEND and EAL needs receive appropriate support, enabling them to fully participate in all aspects of the English curriculum. We celebrate the uniqueness and individuality of every pupil, fostering an inclusive learning community.

We actively engage parents and carers in our English provision. We provide regular opportunities for parents to attend workshops, join reading sessions, and participate in events that promote a love for reading and writing. We value the partnership between home and school, recognising the importance of reinforcing learning experiences beyond the classroom and ensuring parents are well-informed about their child's progress and how they can support their literacy development at home.

Through the intent and implementation of our English curriculum, we positively shape the lives of our pupils, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their educational journey and beyond.

How To Support Your Child With Reading

  1. Reading Records are a log of children’s reading of their phonic level or colour banded books at home. They are used to communicate with teachers about how their reading at home, including the child’s enjoyment and comprehension of the book. Parents/carers are expected to listen to children read at home daily and help support them by asking questions. See Reading Record Comments document attached below to help you with suggested comments to write when signing the reading record.

  2. Make books a part of family life – always have books around at home. It will help if they see you reading as well.

  3. Join your local library – get your child a library card. It is free and you will be able to access hundreds of fantastic books. Let them choose what they want to read to help them develop their own interests. The library as an interesting calendar of events and workshops.

  4. Help your child find the right book for them – find something that will interest them. It doesn't matter if it's fiction, poetry, comic books or non-fiction. All reading is good, even magazines and leaflets.

  5. Snuggle up together somewhere warm and cosy. Find a quiet zone, whether it is in bed, on a beanbag or on the sofa. Also, make sure your child has somewhere comfy to read on their own too.

  6. Read whenever you get the chance – have a book or magazine with you for any time your child has to wait, like at the doctor's or the dentist or to keep them entertained on a journey.

  7. Encourage your child to re-read the books and poems they enjoy. Re-reading helps to build fluency and confidence.

  8. Enjoy reading with your children at bedtime. It is a great way to end the day and to spend valuable time with them.

  9. Read books and poems with rhymes and repeated words or phrases. They are great for getting your children to join in and remember the words.

  10. Ask questions to keep them interested in the what they are reading. Simple questions like, 'What do you think will happen next?;  ‘What was your favourite part?’ and ‘What did you think of the ending? will help to keep children engaged.  See the printable bookmark below for more questions and tips.

Top tips to supporting your child’s reading at home

Register to join you local library

Access Brent e-library

Download and register for the Borrowbox app

Reading Record Comments

Bookmark with questions and tips

WPS Recommended reading list for pupils from Reception to Yr 6

WPS English Topic Map

How To Support Your Child With Writing

  1. Give your child a quiet and well lit space to write with paper, pens, pencils, coloured felt tips etc.

  2. Start a vocabulary notebook for them to record new words and encourage them to use these words (either orally or in their writing).

  3. Ensure they have access to a dictionary and thesaurus to check spellings and use more powerful vocabulary.

  4. Encourage your child to keep a reflective journal – this can be used to develop their description of ‘senses’ as a writer (what can you see? what can you hear? what can you smell? what can you touch? what do you feel?) e.g. writing a diary, recounting a family day trip or holiday, recounting a family celebration.

  5. Provide 'real life' writing opportunities for your child e.g. writing shopping list, thank you notes, invitation, a postcard, card, email or a letter.

  6. Ask children to write freely e.g. give them an image (see link below for pictures) and ask them to write a text of their choice, using what they feel is happening in the picture.

  7. Be a reading and writing role model yourself – discuss the what you are writing and who the writing for e.g. writing a card, writing to a teacher, writing an email.

  8. Help your child publish their writing - e.g. share with others, display on fridge or have a scrap book with a collection of their writing.

  9. Help your child learn their spellings. A good way is to look at the word, cover it, write it, and then check if it is correct. Clapping to break words into small parts (syllables) can also help. Make it fun with games! You can mix up the letters and ask your child to put them in the right order. For difficult words, try a simple memory trick (mnemonic), like Because – Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants.

Picture stimulus for writing

CGP Books for KS1 & KS2

How to support your child with Speaking and Listening

 

It is important to help your child with speaking & listening because:

  • Your child’s ability to speak and listen well is a good foundation for their future learning
  • If they are good speakers and listeners, they will do better at reading and writing.
  • If they can communicate well with others, it will help them to make friends more easily.
  • They will become more independent and be able to learn about the world. 
  • Your child will learn to express their feelings.

At school, younger children will learn to:

  • Think about what they say and choose the right words.
  • Speak fluently and confidently
  • Listen to instructions from the teacher
  • Listen to their classmates before speaking and take turns

As they get older they will:

  • Join in group discussions and make useful points
  • Present to an audience, expressing their opinions clearly
  • Take part in decision making and debate 
  • Learn how language varies in different situations

Put listening to your child first:

  • Show your child how to be a good listener by listening to them and others
  • Be patient: try not to interrupt or finish their sentences for them
  • Give your child your attention: be present and show them that they have your full attention
  • Show you’re listening: ask questions about what they say, ask their opinions
  • Listen to your child reading aloud every day

Be a clear speaker:

  • Speak confidently, using the right words and set an example by speaking in full sentences.
  • If English is not your first language, the most important thing is that you speak your own language and model how to speak well
  • Use clear, simple directions for tasks and behaviours.
  • When your child follows directions, show you notice: praise them for listening to you.

Make time to talk to them everyday:

  • Discuss their day with them when you see them after school.
  • Try to have a family meal together as often as possible.
  • Encourage your child to talk about their views and interests with others.
  • Ask them about their learning and discuss their homework tasks.
  • Switch off the television and computers well before bedtime: chat or read a bedtime story together instead.

Have fun speaking & listening together:

  • Play family games together, like ‘I spy’ or ’Charades’
  • Nursery Rhymes, songs, jokes and puppets are an important way of helping younger children learn language
  • Retell familiar stories and have fun making up your own.
  • With older children, read books and poetry aloud together
  • Talk about issues in the news.

Developing Speaking and Listening for KS1

Developing Speaking and Listening for KS2

Curriculum Documents