Orchard Park Community Primary School

English at Orchard Park Community Primary School

Intent - Our Aim 

We believe that high-quality literature is the foundation for developing strong skills in speaking, reading, and writing for every child, including those with special educational needs.

• Our book-led curriculum makes English exciting and meaningful.
• Reading and writing are essential life skills, so we start building them from day one.
• Children explore a wide range of texts:
  • Classics
  • Award-winning books
  • Works by significant authors
• Books are chosen for their quality and importance, creating a rich literary experience.

Our goal is for children to:

• Communicate confidently – orally and in writing.
• Make links between their own experiences, literature, and wider themes.
• Enjoy writing for purpose and pleasure.

---

What Skills Do We Teach?

To become fluent writers, children need:

• Spelling, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, handwriting, speaking and listening.
• Phonics as the foundation for reading and writing:
  • Children learn to blend sounds to read and segment words to spell.
  • Daily phonics sessions start in Nursery and continue through Reception and Key Stage 1.
• Once these basics are secure, children can write creatively and independently.

We aim to create writers who:

• Can edit and improve their work.
• Use grammar, punctuation, and spelling confidently.

---

Implementation - How We Teach English 

Classroom Organisation

• English is taught in whole-class lessons so all children access the same curriculum.
• Support is tailored:
  • Extra scaffolding for children who need it.
  • Extension tasks for higher-attaining pupils, such as:
    • Using sophisticated vocabulary.
    • Exploring the impact of writing on the reader.

Grammar and Punctuation

• Taught through writing genres and sometimes in stand-alone lessons for extra practice.
• Children learn correct terminology and apply it in their writing.

Lesson Sequence

• Each year group follows a planned programme covering:
  • Narratives
  • Non-fiction
  • Poetry
• Units last 2–4 weeks and use texts from The Literacy Tree.
• Children complete an Extended Write at the end of each unit.

Handwriting

• Children learn a cursive style using the Nelson Handwriting Scheme.
• Dedicated lessons and consistent practice in English books.
• Teachers model handwriting using the same format as pupils.

Spellings and Phonics

• Nursery: Phase 1 phonics.
• Reception: Phase 2 and beyond.
• Key Stage 1: Daily phonics sessions.
• Key Stage 2: Spelling taught 3 times a week using No Nonsense Spelling Scheme.
• Weekly spelling tests and half-termly checks.
• Common Exception Words taught in school and at home.
• Extra support for children who need it.

Speaking and Listening

• Starts from day one.
• Children learn to express ideas clearly in different situations.
• Teachers use activities like:
  • Class discussions
  • Drama and role play
  • Presentations

 

---

Impact

By the time children leave Orchard Park, they will:

• Be confident readers and writers.
• Have strong grammar, spelling, and handwriting skills.
• Enjoy literature and write for different purposes.
• Be ready for the next stage of education.