Intent

At Calmore Junior School, our English curriculum is designed to develop confident, competent and enthusiastic communicators. We aim for all pupils to:

• Read fluently and with deep understanding, across a wide range of texts.

• Write effectively for different purposes and audiences, demonstrating creativity, accuracy and stamina.

• Apply grammar, punctuation and spelling skills with confidence in their writing.

• Speak and listen articulately, developing discussion, presentation, and performance skills.

• Develop a love of reading and language, fostering lifelong engagement with literature.

The curriculum is sequenced to ensure progression in reading, writing, and spoken language, providing all children, including SEND and disadvantaged pupils, with equal opportunities to achieve their potential.

Implementation

• Reading:

  • Whole-class reading sessions develop vocabulary, comprehension, and inference skills.

  • Pupils explore a diverse range of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and plays.

  • Targeted support ensures that all children, including those requiring phonics catch-up, can access and enjoy reading.

• Writing:

  • Writing is taught through engaging, cross-curricular topics to make learning meaningful.

  • Lessons include planning, drafting, editing, and publishing, emphasising the writing process.

  • Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are integrated within writing tasks and taught explicitly where needed.

  • Children are encouraged to develop their individual voice across narrative, persuasive, descriptive, and factual writing.

• Speaking and Listening:

  • Regular opportunities for discussion, debate, presentations, and performances build confidence and communication skills.

  • Pupils are taught to listen actively, respect others’ viewpoints, and respond thoughtfully.

• Assessment and Feedback:

  • Ongoing formative assessment informs teaching and intervention.

  • Pupils receive constructive feedback to improve and refine their reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Impact

By the end of each year, pupils are expected to:

• Read fluently and independently, demonstrating comprehension and critical thinking.

• Write accurately, creatively, and purposefully for a range of contexts.

• Apply grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills with confidence.

• Communicate effectively in both spoken and written forms.

• Show enthusiasm and engagement with reading, writing, and language.

The impact of our English curriculum is measured through:

• Teacher assessment and tracking of reading and writing progress.

• Attainment in end-of-year assessments and standardised reading tests.

• Pupil engagement, confidence, and enjoyment in using English across the curriculum.

At Calmore Junior School, our English curriculum ensures that every pupil leaves with strong literacy skills, a passion for reading and writing, and the ability to communicate effectively in all areas of life.