At Baildon Glen Primary School we believe that a quality English curriculum should develop children’s love of reading, writing and discussion.  We have developed a well organised English curriculum that provides many purposeful opportunities for reading, writing and discussion. Our curriculum closely follows the aims of the National Curriculum for English 2014 to enable all children to:

• read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information.
• acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
• appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage.
• write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
• use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas.

These aims are embedded across our English lessons and the wider curriculum. We will provide the means for children to develop a secure knowledge-base, which follows a clear pathway of progression as they advance through the primary curriculum. Rigorous assessment and review will ensure that we are able to provide targeted support so that all children experience success. We believe that a secure basis in literacy skills is crucial to a high-quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society.   

Early reading is supported through the Little Wandle (LW) scheme.  Regular training materials available online ensure that staff are equipped to teach with the expertise and skills required to promote excellent progress, as well as a love of reading. In KS2, when children have completed the LW programme, they develop deeper reading skills using the Big Cat reading scheme which seamless follows on from LW in EY and KS1.  Each class’s timetable is organised to enable weekly access to the school library, with an up-to-date selection of books to provide quality reading materials for all children to promote reading for enjoyment. Further information on the teaching of phonics and reading in found in our phonics and reading long term plan.