English at Ellistown

English at Ellistown

At Ellistown Community Primary School, we believe that literacy underpins success across the curriculum and beyond school. We aim to develop enthusiastic readers, confident writers and articulate communicators through a rich, engaging and ambitious English curriculum. High-quality texts, meaningful learning experiences and a love of reading sit at the heart of our approach, ensuring children develop the knowledge and skills they need to thrive as lifelong learners.

Phonics, Spelling and Early Reading

We follow the Twinkl Phonics DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme throughout EYFS and Year 1. Phonics is taught daily to develop secure decoding, word reading and spelling skills. Reading books are closely matched to children's phonics knowledge to ensure successful practice and application of taught sounds.

Twinkl Phonics Guide for Parents

Children who would benefit from further phonics teaching, including those who have not yet met the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, continue to receive targeted phonics support and intervention alongside their wider English learning. Where appropriate, phonics remains the primary approach to supporting early reading and spelling development until children are ready to access the full spelling curriculum.

Writing 

Our writing curriculum is based on the National Curriculum. High-quality texts form the basis of learning, providing meaningful contexts for writing and exposing children to rich vocabulary and ambitious language structures. Pupils write for a range of audiences and purposes, developing the skills to plan, draft, edit and improve their work. Writing units are carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively across the school whilst allowing teachers to adapt learning to meet the needs of their pupils.

Punctuation and Grammar

Grammar and punctuation are taught both explicitly and through the writing process. Learning is carefully sequenced to ensure that knowledge and skills build progressively from Year 1 to Year 6. Pupils are taught to understand how language works and to apply grammatical knowledge accurately and effectively in their speaking, reading and writing. Regular retrieval and application activities support long-term retention of learning.

Reading

Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. We aim to develop fluent, confident readers who enjoy reading for both pleasure and purpose. Through exposure to a range of high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry, pupils develop their vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills. Children are taught to discuss, interpret and respond to texts whilst developing a deep understanding of language and meaning.

Whole-class reading is taught from Year 2 onwards, with lessons focused on developing fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Reading opportunities are provided throughout the wider curriculum to enable children to apply and extend their understanding across subjects.

Handwriting

Handwriting is taught regularly throughout the school. EYFS and Year 1 pupils learn correct letter formation using printed script. From Year 2 onwards, pupils follow the Twinkl handwriting programme and are taught a cursive style, supporting fluency, presentation and writing stamina.