English has a unrivalled place in education and in society.The English curriculum at Summerseat Methodist Primary is designed to provide experiences for children throughout the school that enable them to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them.

Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are disadvantaged. 

We take every opportunity to immerse the children in engaging, high quality texts through drama, role-play, storytelling, art, music and discussion and aim to foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

We firmly believe that children learn best when learning activities are well planned, ensuring progress in the short, medium and long term. The teaching of English should enthuse, engage and motivate children to learn and foster their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Assessment informs teaching so that there is provision for support, consolidation and extension for each child, at each level of attainment. At Summerseat there are strong links between school and home and the importance of parental involvement in their child’s learning is recognised, valued and developed.

Please see our Steps in Learning documents for English (listed below) which shows the expected progression for pupils at Summerseat in the different aspects of English: Speaking, phonics, reading, writing, spelling and handwriting.

Further information can be found on our approach to reading, writing and spelling by visiting the additional tabs below, in addition to our Oracy Strategy.