Irresistible English Curriculum

At the heart of English at Polegate is the belief that all pupils can rise above the ordinary and excel as individuals, confident in their reading, writing and oracy skills. We aim to develop aspirational, resilient learners who recognise essential literacy skills that will support them in their time at school, within the wider world, and in their future too. To engage our pupils’ imagination, emotions and personal beliefs is a really important part of their development as individual writers, reflective readers and confident speakers, so this is at the forefront of all that we do.

At Polegate, we believe there are no limits and that all pupils can thrive within their literacy lessons and challenge themselves to achieve their very best, and beyond. We use challenging, rich texts to plan our literacy lessons and promote reading for pleasure so that children understand the key relationship between reading and writing. We believe in giving our pupils the freedom to explore and experiment with writing. We encourage them to use their own influences (whether that is authors or each other) to shape their own writer’s voice.

Above all, we want our pupils to feel free to express themselves, inspired by the things we explore and to develop a meaningful, personal interest in their reading, writing and oracy understanding.

Our approach to English

At Polegate Primary School, we aim to…

• Develop an engaging, enthusiastic attitude to English where pupils’ successes are valued and celebrated
• Build a rich knowledge of skills and literacy understanding which progresses within all year groups and can be applied to the wider curriculum
• Create inspirational reading experiences that will promote reading for pleasure across the whole school community
• Use challenging, rich literary texts (including classic literature) to plan lessons, promote reading for pleasure and stimulate quality writing through modelled examples
• Embed grammar and robust vocabulary as threads throughout all lessons to make meaningful links and explain through examples from authentic texts, allowing high-quality discussion about the purpose and effects
• Grow confident leaners who express themselves articulately, using correct literacy language and terminology
• Consistently use creative approaches to inspire pupils and promote meaningful links between the skills and knowledge being taught
• Deepen understanding of the relationship between reading and writing, allowing pupils to recognise how these go hand-in-hand together
• Use lessons effectively to inspire, explore and apply specific knowledge and techniques through experiences within literacy lessons and the wider curriculum
• Develop a ‘talk-rich’ approach to teaching with the emphasis on talking to discover, explore and communicate ideas, leading into using subject knowledge and key vocabulary to deepen understanding
• Explore poetry and prose to develop a rich ‘literary heritage’
• Develop a love for language and inspire high standards
• Develop a growing confidence with all types of literature
• Plan from the ‘top’ and ensure challenge for all learners
• Develop resilient learners who challenge themselves and show ownership with their creations, developing a personal voice as writers
• Encourage independent thought and personal expression, inspired by the things we explore as well as their own experiences, allowing them to develop meaningful, personal interests in their writing and reading
• Plan for meaningful tasks with clear purpose that will allow pupils to effectively apply their knowledge and skills
• Develop a rich whole school literary curriculum with opportunities beyond the classroom to inspire and excite pupils as readers and writers
• Develop a home-school partnership where reading and writing is viewed as an enjoyable and shared experience
• Encourage and recognise how the effective use of literacy skills (in reading, writing and oracy) is essential for a wide range of purposes, including beyond school and adult life