Intent

Develop fluent readers, confident speakers, and skilled writers who can communicate effectively in diverse contexts.

Ensure pupils master foundational skills (phonics, decoding, handwriting) early, while progressively building comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and authorial awareness.

Foster a love of language and literature, encouraging reading for pleasure and purposeful writing.

Provide clear progression from EYFS to Year 6, aligned with national curriculum expectations.

Embed oracy and listening as integral to learning, supporting reasoning, collaboration, and self-expression.

Implementation

Systematic phonics in EYFS and KS1, transitioning to advanced spelling, morphology, and etymology in KS2.

Structured progression maps for:

• Reading: From decoding and fluency to inference, prediction, and critical evaluation of texts across genres.

• Writing: From mark-making and simple sentences to cohesive, well-structured compositions using advanced grammar and punctuation.

• Speaking & Listening: From basic conversational skills to formal presentations, debates, and drama.

Vocabulary enrichment strategies (e.g., Vocabulary Ninja, WOW words, concept-based teaching).

Regular opportunities for performance and discussion: poetry recitals, drama workshops, debates, assemblies, and liturgy.

Cross-curricular links: Non-fiction reading and writing embedded in subjects like science, history, and RE.

Assessment and feedback loops: Proofreading, editing, and peer discussion to refine work.

Inclusive practices: Support for EAL learners, speech and language interventions, and differentiated scaffolds.

Impact

Pupils become confident, articulate communicators who adapt language for different audiences and purposes.

Achieve high levels of reading fluency and comprehension, enabling access to a broad curriculum and fostering enjoyment of literature.

Produce strong writing outcomes: sustained, accurate, and creative writing across genres, demonstrating control of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Demonstrate improved oracy and listening skills: engage in meaningful discussions, justify opinions, and present ideas clearly.

Leave KS2 secondary-ready, equipped with literacy skills for academic success and lifelong learning.