"Reading is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible."
Barack Obama

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind."
Rudyard Kipling

At Lawrence View Primary and Nursery School, we believe that English lies at the heart of a child's education. Through speaking, listening, reading and writing, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed across the curriculum and beyond. Our aim is for every child to become a fluent reader, an articulate communicator and a confident writer who can express their ideas clearly and effectively.

Reading

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum and is the key that unlocks learning. We are committed to developing enthusiastic, fluent and confident readers who read widely for both pleasure and purpose.

From the very start of their journey in Nursery and Reception, children develop strong foundations in communication, language and early reading. Our systematic approach to phonics ensures that pupils build the knowledge and skills needed to become successful readers. As children progress through school, they develop fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and a deeper understanding of a wide range of high-quality texts.

We promote a culture of reading throughout the school, encouraging children to develop a lifelong love of books. Through carefully chosen texts, regular reading opportunities and rich discussion, pupils are exposed to diverse authors, themes and experiences that broaden their understanding of the world.

Oracy

We recognise that spoken language is fundamental to learning. Developing strong oracy skills enables children to think clearly, communicate effectively and engage confidently with others.

Across the curriculum, pupils are taught to listen attentively, express their ideas, explain their thinking, ask thoughtful questions and participate in meaningful discussions. Teachers provide regular opportunities for talk, discussion, debate and collaborative learning, helping children develop vocabulary, confidence and reasoning skills.

By placing oracy at the heart of learning, we support pupils to become confident communicators who are well-prepared for future education and life beyond school.

Writing

Our writing curriculum enables children to write with accuracy, fluency and purpose. Drawing upon high-quality texts, rich experiences and meaningful contexts, pupils learn how to communicate effectively for a range of audiences and purposes.

We teach writing through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops children's transcription skills, vocabulary, grammar and composition. As pupils progress through school, they are supported to write with increasing stamina, independence and authorial confidence.

We place a strong emphasis on the writing process, enabling pupils to plan, draft, edit and improve their work. Through regular opportunities to write across the curriculum, children apply their knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts, helping them become confident and capable writers.

Our Approach

Our English curriculum is informed by the latest educational research and reflects our commitment to evidence-informed practice. Through carefully sequenced learning, retrieval of key knowledge and regular opportunities for application, we support pupils to know more, remember more and achieve more.

By the time pupils leave Lawrence View, we aim for them to be confident readers, articulate speakers and successful writers who are ready for the next stage of their education and able to fulfil our vision to Learn, Grow and Achieve.