English Curriculum Intent

Knightlow recognises the ultimate importance of the development of English knowledge and skills at the heart of all learning in order to be able to access life in all its fullness (John ch10 v10).

Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing are crucial for communication, and as such Knightlow’s curriculum is designed to both kindle the children’s enjoyment and drive their knowledge, understanding and skills in these across the breadth of learning. Through a combination of discrete English lessons, integrated learning topics and whole school projects and events Knightlow children develop their knowledge and skills in an interactive, creative and engaging way. Through an English curriculum that builds on fundamental key-skills systematically, whilst also providing opportunities to explore, imagine and invent we are confident that by the end of Key Stage Two Knightlow children will have acquired and mastered the following:

Speaking, Listening and Language

Children will develop fluent discussion skills that will aid and enhance learning and help them to articulate ideas and understanding clearly, using a well-considered and broad vocabulary. They will have developed a wide and rich vocabulary that includes language for the every-day; academic language for learning, ambitious language and technical curriculum language. In addition they will possess the aptitude and skills of speaking and listening to speak, present and perform in a range of circumstances to a range of audience types: e.g. making formal presentations, perform in a play, participating in debate.

Reading

Children will develop reading fluency and a wide range of reading comprehension skills that enable them to understand thematic, contextual, inferential, literal, structural and vocabulary focused questions. They will understand the value of reading for building knowledge and empathy and enhancing their own wellbeing. But most importantly Knightlow children will have developed a love and hunger for reading that inspires habits to read widely and often, for enjoyment, information and for life.

Writing

Knightlow children will understand the value of writing clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. They will have mastered a secure understanding of grammar and a knowledge of linguistic conventions for writing, reading and spoken language and mastered using punctuation to accurately communicate and avoid ambiguity. The children’s handwriting will be fluent and cursive. In addition, Knightlow children will be able to demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for our rich and varied British literary heritage and will have explored that of other cultures and traditions. All learning in English is underpinned by our Building Learning Power principles and enhanced by its dispositions.

Through use of The Literary Tree Curriculum we have mapped the coverage of the entire English Programme of Study for KS1 and KS2 for Writing and Reading Comprehension, as well as meeting the needs of the statutory 2021 Early Years Framework. In many cases objectives are covered more than once and children have opportunities to apply these several times over the course of a year, as well as to consolidate prior knowledge from previous years. This approach supports children to think deeply and develop skills with depth. Where needed, planning sequences should be adapted, personalised and differentiated by the school to ensure all access arrangements can be made to support children with the requirements.

Phonics Scheme

The phonics scheme that we use at Knightlow is Read Write Inc. It is a structured programme designed to ensure that all children learn to read with fluency and accuracy through engaging phonics sessions. 

Teaching Sounds

The 44 sounds and corresponding letters are introduced and taught systematically.

Teaching Words

Children learn to blend sounds to read words. Then they use short ‘ditties’ to practise early reading and writing before being taught more letter-sound correspondences.

Developing Reading and Writing

Children read a series of levelled decodable texts, both fiction and nonfiction, and complete integrated writing activities including spelling, grammar, vocabulary and handwriting practice.

Levelled Progression

Ongoing assessment means that any children that are struggling are identified and supported to ensure that all children make the best progress.

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