English - Curriculum Intent

Reading

At Gurnard Primary School, we believe that reading provides the mechanism and direction for every aspect of learning. We navigate the journey of reading with the unwavering belief that every child, regardless of background, can achieve the highest standards. Proficiency in reading is both attainable and essential. We value reading as a key life skill and we are dedicated to enabling our pupils to become lifelong readers. Reading is key for academic success. 

We believe in developing reading fluency and comprehension skills, coupled with cultivating a love for literature so all of our children can access the delights and rewards that reading provides. Young learners master the mechanics of reading at the start of their journey, in order to ensure that they are able to read to learn throughout their time at Gurnard and far beyond. Proficiency in reading is not just a destination; it’s a powerful tool for learning and our children at Gurnard learn to read accurately, fluently and with profound understanding.

All children are offered equal opportunities to acquire a vast vocabulary, understanding of grammar, and knowledge of linguistic conventions.  High quality and vocabulary rich texts are chosen across the school to enable children to develop knowledge of themselves and the world in which they live, and to gain a sense of belonging. Texts embrace the growing richness of our cultural tapestry and reflect the diversity of our school community in which everyone belongs and there are no outsiders. 

At Gurnard Primary School reading is an adventure of respect, success, and belonging and by the time pupils leave us they will be fluent readers who recommend books to their peers, seek out books from a range of different genres, engage in discussion about authorial choices or impact on the reader as well as respecting books and treasuring them as a valuable resource. 

Writing

At Gurnard, we believe in nurturing the essential skill of effective communication from the early years. We are dedicated to creating articulate and imaginative communicators by instilling in our students a genuine love for language and the written word. We recognize that speaking and writing are interconnected forms of expression, and as such, we aim to cultivate both abilities simultaneously. Writing and spoken language are interwoven and interlinked throughout all aspects of the writing journey at Gurnard. 

We respect the uniqueness of each student, recognizing that their individual voices contribute to the tapestry of our school community. Through writing we aim to foster a sense of belonging, where every student feels they are an essential part of our collective journey. We carefully select rich, well-written texts as beacons, guiding our pupils in the art of crafting their own narratives and ensuring they are exposed to high-quality language and cultural diversity. Furthermore, we integrate writing across the curriculum, establishing meaningful connections to the topics covered in other subject areas. 

It is our unwavering commitment that our students not only learn to write but also understand the broader applications of writing in everyday life. We emphasize the importance and usefulness of the skills they acquire, empowering them to appreciate writing as a valuable tool for the lifelong journey of learning and communicating. 

We believe that success in writing is not just about reaching the destination but enjoying the journey and honing skills along the way. As our pupils embark on their writing voyage, we encourage them to see each piece of writing as a destination to reach. We instill in them the belief that they are real contributors, taking ownership of their words with pride and celebrating their successes. 

Please explore this page to find out more about English at Gurnard Primary School, and the opportunities that are available for our learners.