English: Our Intent, Implementation, and Impact

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, we believe that every pupil should become a confident communicator and a passionate reader and writer. Our intent is to develop a love of language, enabling pupils to access a wide range of texts, express their ideas clearly, and communicate effectively. We aim for all pupils, regardless of ability, to acquire a rich vocabulary, secure understanding of grammar and spelling, and strong reading and comprehension skills, while also developing confidence in speaking and listening. Across all areas of English, pupils are encouraged to engage with texts, write creatively and analytically, and express themselves with clarity and accuracy.

English is taught through carefully sequenced lessons that build progressively on prior learning. Reading is developed through exposure to high-quality texts, comprehension activities, and guided reading sessions, while writing is taught using structured approaches such as the Literacy Tree, which combines rich texts, modelled writing, and independent practice. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are embedded within reading and writing lessons to reinforce skills in context. Pupils are provided with regular modelled instruction, guided practice, and opportunities for independent application. Speaking and listening are developed through discussion, drama, presentations, and collaborative learning, ensuring pupils can articulate ideas confidently. Support and challenge are provided to ensure all pupils can succeed, and lessons are linked to a vocabulary-rich environment to deepen language acquisition.

The intended impact of our English curriculum is that all pupils will develop a lifelong love of reading and writing. Pupils will be confident communicators, able to write clearly, accurately, and creatively, adapting their language for different purposes and audiences. They will be fluent, confident readers with strong comprehension skills and a growing vocabulary, and they will demonstrate secure grammar, punctuation, and spelling in their writing. Pupils will also be articulate speakers, able to express their ideas thoughtfully in a range of contexts. Overall, our approach ensures that pupils leave primary school well-prepared for secondary education and equipped to succeed across the curriculum and beyond.

Reading

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, we aim to foster a lifelong love of reading by developing confident, fluent readers who can understand and enjoy a wide range of texts. We believe reading is fundamental to future success, unlocking opportunities for learning, communication, and personal growth. Our curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, build vocabulary, and support comprehension skills that empower pupils to succeed across all subjects.

Reading is taught daily through a balanced approach tailored to each key stage. In Reception and Key Stage 1, pupils participate in daily phonics sessions alongside targeted reading practice to consolidate phonics learning, increase fluency, and build comprehension. We ensure a smooth transition from Year 2 to Year 3 by maintaining the Key Stage 1 group model where needed, providing extra phonics support for those who require it. In Years 4 to 6, daily whole-class reading sessions focus on fluency and comprehension using a variety of high-quality resources, including Fred’s Teaching, Reading Between the Lines, and Literacy Shed. Pupils are encouraged to discuss, analyse, and respond to texts to deepen their understanding.

Our pupils develop strong reading skills and positive reading habits, reflected in improved fluency and comprehension across year groups. Pupil voice and reading assessments show increased confidence and enjoyment, while regular monitoring ensures all children make sustained progress on their reading journey.

At Eaglesfield CE Primary Academy, we used current educational research to support our teachers in creating a carefully curated spine of quality texts. These additional books, additional to our core English curriculum, are thoughtfully selected to be introduced and made available to each year group. Our children love exploring these ‘Recommended Reads,’ which enrich their reading experiences, broaden their exposure to diverse genres and authors, and foster a deeper love of literature throughout their time at our school.

Writing

We believe that learning to write is one of the most important skills our children will ever develop. From the very first marks made in Nursery, through to extended, carefully crafted pieces in Year 6, we pride ourselves on nurturing every child’s journey as a writer.

Our teaching supports children at their own starting points, ensuring that each child grows in confidence and skill. Throughout their time with us, children are introduced to a wide range of writing genres, always with a clear purpose in mind – whether it be to inform, to persuade, to entertain, or simply for the joy of writing.

We see writing not just as a key academic skill, but as a vital way of preparing children for “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). The ability to communicate effectively – to write with purpose or for pleasure – equips our pupils with tools that will serve them well both in school and beyond.

The DfE Writing Framework: Enhancing Our Writing Curriculum

In July, 2025, the Department for Education (DfE) published the Writing Framework, a comprehensive guide designed to support primary schools in delivering high-quality writing instruction. This framework is grounded in the latest educational research and offers practical strategies to foster writing proficiency from Reception through to Key Stage 2.

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, we are committed to implementing this evidence-based approach to ensure our pupils develop strong writing skills. The framework emphasizes the importance of foundational skills such as handwriting, spelling, and sentence construction, while also encouraging oral composition and dictation to build fluency. It provides guidance on supporting pupils who need additional help, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to succeed. The document can be found below:

Grammar and Punctuation

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, the teaching of grammar and punctuation is carefully structured and progressive, ensuring that pupils develop a strong understanding from the earliest stages of writing. Starting with basic sentence construction, capital letters, and full stops in the early years, children gradually build their skills to include more complex punctuation, sentence types, and grammatical structures as they move through the school. Lessons are designed to reinforce prior learning while introducing new concepts, helping pupils to apply grammar and punctuation accurately in their writing and enabling them to communicate clearly and effectively across all subjects.

Handwriting

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, handwriting is taught through a structured progression. Pupils start by mastering letter formation and pencil control in the early years, then gradually develop joined writing, consistent spacing, and improved speed as they move through the school. With regular modelled instruction from teachers and consistent practice, pupils build confident, legible handwriting that supports all areas of their learning.

Spelling

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive literacy curriculum. From Nursery to Year 2, pupils are taught phonics and spelling through the Little Wandle programme, establishing a strong foundation in reading and writing. From Year 3 to Year 6, pupils continue their development using Spelling Shed, which reinforces and extends their spelling and vocabulary skills. The phonics and spelling progression documents are provided below for reference.

Oracy

At Eaglesfield Paddle CE Primary Academy, we recognise the vital role of oracy in developing confident communicators and successful learners from the very start of their education. Guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, the DFE Writing Framework, the Speaking and Listening National Curriculum, and Ofsted’s focus on language development, we provide purposeful opportunities for pupils to develop their speaking and listening skills across all subjects. In the early years, oracy is embedded through rich language experiences that build the foundations for communication and vocabulary. As pupils progress, they are encouraged to articulate ideas clearly, engage in meaningful discussions, and listen respectfully to others. This focus on oracy supports the development of critical thinking and self-expression, essential for academic success and lifelong learning.