English

English at Woodhall

‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!’ Dr Seuss

The National Curriculum for mathematics intends 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.

At Woodhall, we believe that foundational knowledge in English is crucial for children to be secure learners across the curriculum and to prepare them for the wider world. An English curriculum should ignite a love of reading, writing and discussion and provide children with a language rich environment, saturating them with vivid and varied vocabulary and high-quality texts to help shape their understanding and build their own authorial voice.

Speaking and Listening

Before a child can read or write, they must be able to speak and listen. Oracy is the cornerstone of ideas and helps children develop their opinions, express their needs, understand their peers and learn effectively. At Woodhall, opportunities to build these skills are interwoven across the curriculum and explicitly taught in Phonics, Reading and Writing lessons.

For a snapshot of what speaking and listening looks like at Woodhall, please view our Oracy Statement and Oracy Ladder linked below. For a fuller perspective of what speaking and listening looks like in Reading, Writing and across the curriculum, please explore the other statements and ladder linked on our website.

Oracy Statement

Oracy Ladder

Reading

Reading opens doors to imagination, ideas, and understanding beyond our own experience. It allows children to explore other times and places, meet different characters, and discover a wide range of subjects, from science to history. By enjoying stories, poems and information texts, children can also discover new passions, develop their thinking and enjoy the rich possibilities that reading offers throughout life.

To learn more about the intent, implementation and impact of our Reading Statement and see a detailed breakdown of the knowledge and skills children learn year on year, check out our Reading Statement and our Reading Ladder below.

Reading Statement

EYFS and KS1 Reading Ladder

KS2 Reading Ladder

Phonics

Good reading start with a strong knowledge of phonics! At Woodhall, we follow the Twinkl Phonic Scheme which is full of engaging stories, fun activities, silly rhymes and songs. Phonics are the building blocks of reading and help children develop the necessary skills to tackle new words and build fluency as they progress throughout the school.

A detailed breakdown of the knowledge and skills children acquire at each level is outlined in the Twinkl Phonics Scheme Overview.

If you are interested in learning more about phonics, check out our dedicated page.

Writing

At Woodhall Primary School, we know that writing is more than just putting words on a page. It is a way to explore ideas, express feelings, and make sense of the world around us. From crafting imaginative stories and descriptive poems to explaining a solution in mathematics or reflecting on a personal experience, writing allows children to communicate clearly and creatively.

To learn more about the intent, implementation and impact of our Writing Curriculum and see a detailed breakdown of the knowledge and skills children learn year on year, check out our Writing Statement and our Writing, Spelling and Handwriting Ladders. You can also find guides outlining the grammar expectations of each year group below.