The English Intent - Why we teach what we teach

At New Close, English and the teaching of English is the foundation of our curriculum. Our aim is to ensure every child becomes primary literate and progresses in reading, writing, speaking and listening. We have high expectations and ambition for all our children, and want them all to achieve their full potential in English during their time at New Close. We recognise that each child has a different starting point in each year group on their journey in English, and therefore celebrate effort and individual progress as well as attainment to ensure every child can celebrate success.

We ensure the provision of the National Curriculum for English through our use of high-quality texts, vocabulary-rich learning environments and a varied and engaging curriculum, therefore developing a love of reading, creative writing and purposeful speaking and listening.

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.

• 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.