Introduction: What We Believe

English Curriculum at St. Michael’s: Celebrating the Divine Gift of Language

At St. Michael’s, we see English as a reflection of God’s gift of communication and the richness of His creation. Our English Curriculum, aligned with the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, is designed to spark curiosity, nurture critical thinking, and inspire a deep appreciation for the power of language and literature in God’s world.

Foundations in Key Stages 1 and 2

Key Stage 1: Building Blocks of Language

In Key Stage 1, children begin their journey into the world of reading, writing, and language. They explore fundamental concepts through engaging activities that emphasize the beauty and complexity of language as a testament to God’s design. Through phonics, storytelling, and interactive reading, children develop a solid foundation in literacy, fostering a sense of wonder at the diversity and richness of God’s creation.

Key Stage 2: Expanding Horizons

As children progress to Key Stage 2, our English curriculum expands to include more complex texts and sophisticated writing techniques. They engage in critical reading and analytical thinking, applying their skills to a variety of literary genres and real-world contexts. By exploring diverse literary works, children gain insight into different cultures and perspectives, recognizing the universal aspects of human experience and the creativity inherent in God’s design.

The Joy of Reading

At St. Michael’s, we believe that reading reveals the wisdom and beauty of God’s creation. From classic literature to contemporary works, children explore the marvels of language as a tool for understanding the world. Through guided reading sessions and independent exploration, children develop a love for reading, recognizing the power of stories to convey profound truths and foster empathy.

The Art of Writing

Writing at St. Michael’s is more than just a skill; it is an expression of creativity and thoughtfulness. Children learn to articulate their ideas clearly and creatively, crafting stories, essays, and poems that reflect their understanding of the world and their place in it. Through structured writing exercises and free expression, they develop their voice and confidence, understanding the impact of their words.

Mastery of Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar (SPAG)

A strong grasp of spelling, punctuation, and grammar is essential for effective communication. At St. Michael’s, we emphasize the importance of SPAG in our English curriculum, ensuring children develop accuracy and precision in their writing. Through systematic teaching and practical applications, children gain mastery over the rules of language, enhancing their ability to convey ideas with clarity and correctness.

Our Commitment to Excellence in English Education

We are committed to providing an exceptional English education that equips children with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the complexities of our world. Our dedicated English teachers inspire children to engage deeply with texts, fostering a passion for discovery and critical thinking. By integrating diverse perspectives and promoting collaborative learning, we encourage children to appreciate the universal nature of language and its relevance to different cultures and viewpoints.

Inspiring Wisdom and Faith

At St. Michael’s, English is not merely a subject but a journey of wisdom and faith. We encourage children to reflect on the creative and communicative dimensions of language, drawing connections between literary principles and the divine order of creation. Through exploring literary challenges and solutions, children develop a deeper appreciation for the intelligence and creativity inherent in God’s design, and a sense of responsibility to use their literacy skills with integrity and compassion.

Through our English Curriculum, we celebrate the beauty and complexity of God’s creation, foster spiritual awareness, and empower children to become confident, articulate, and thoughtful individuals. At St. Michael’s, our vision is to inspire a generation of children who embrace the power of language, honor the legacy of literary thinkers, and strive to make a positive impact on our world for the glory of God

Subject Leadership

Miss Grundy is our English subject Leader.

Reading

Reading is taught through the VIPERS skills:

  • Vocabulary
  • Inference
  • Prediction
  • Explanation
  • Retrieval
  • Sequence/Summarise

The weekly reading cycle includes developing fluency and prosody through independent, group, and echo reading. Children have the opportunity to apply their skimming and scanning skills and engage in group discussions about text types and the author’s choice of words.

Writing

Each year, children begin by following the Grammarsaurus Place Value of Punctuation and Grammar program. This ensures they have a secure knowledge of sentence construction and grammatical techniques as a basis for writing in English and across the curriculum. At St Michael’s, we follow a two-week writing cycle. During this time, we analyse a high-quality model text and identify key features of the text type. The cycle includes grammar and sentence-level work based on a range of genres. Staff support writing through a mixture of modeling and shared writing techniques. Each half term, children have the opportunity to independently plan, draft, edit, and publish a range of texts.

Writing opportunities are integrated across all subjects in the curriculum, especially in RE, Science, and History/Geography. This ensures that our children are given a real purpose for writing.

SPAG

Each year, children begin by following the Grammarsaurus Place Value of Punctuation and Grammar program. This ensures they have a secure knowledge of sentence construction and grammatical techniques as a basis for writing in English and across the curriculum. Grammar is taught both discretely and through English writing lessons.