Intent

At Whinless Down Academy Trust, we believe that reading, writing and effective communication are fundamental to pupils’ success in school and in later life. Our English curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and carefully sequenced, enabling all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, to achieve highly.

Reading lies at the heart of our curriculum. Through exposure to a wide range of high‑quality texts, pupils develop a love of reading, a rich vocabulary and an appreciation of our literary heritage. Spoken language and writing are developed progressively, ensuring pupils can communicate confidently, creatively and accurately for a range of purposes and audiences.

Implementation

Phonics and Early Reading

Early reading is prioritised through a systematic synthetic phonics programme (Little Wandle), delivered consistently to ensure all pupils develop secure decoding skills as quickly as possible.

Reading

High‑quality class texts form the starting point for English learning each term. Pupils take part in explicit reading sessions throughout the week that develop fluency, comprehension and key National Curriculum reading skills. Regular independent and paired reading, supported by the Academy Reading Challenge, promotes reading stamina and reading for pleasure.

Vocabulary and Spoken Language

At the Whinless Down Academy Trust, we believe that a rich and varied vocabulary is fundamental to pupils’ success across the curriculum and beyond. Vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly so that pupils can understand, remember and use new words with confidence in speaking, reading and writing. Through high‑quality texts, carefully chosen subject vocabulary and meaningful discussion, pupils are encouraged to notice, explore and apply new words in context. We also aim to cultivate curiosity about language, helping pupils to develop an awareness of how words work, where they come from and how they connect, so that vocabulary learning continues independently over time.

Writing

Writing is taught through a structured cycle of learning about the text type, planning, writing and reviewing. Grammar, punctuation and spelling is taught explicitly throughout the year. Pupils write for a wide range of purposes and audiences, applying their knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling. Handwriting is taught progressively from secure letter formation in EYFS and KS1 to fluent joined writing in KS2.

Assessment is used to identify next steps, address misconceptions and provide appropriate support or challenge.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Whinless Down, they are confident readers, articulate speakers and effective writers.

• Pupils read fluently and with enjoyment, discussing a range of texts and authors with confidence.
• They use rich vocabulary to express ideas clearly in talk and writing.
• Their writing demonstrates accuracy, creativity and control across a range of genres.

Our English curriculum enables pupils to acquire knowledge about the English language, develop long-term recall of this knowledge, and apply it effectively to a range of scenarios well.