At St Alban’s we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion. We have a well organised English curriculum that provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion. Our curriculum ensures that children:

• 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 audience
• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
• become competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations,
• demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

These aims are embedded across our literacy lessons and the wider curriculum. We provide the means for children to develop a secure knowledge-base in English, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. Rigorous assessment and review ensures that we are able to provide targeted support so that all children experience success in English; we believe that a secure basis in literacy skills is crucial to a high quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society.