Overview

English is at the heart of learning at Nether Edge. We aim to develop confident readers, articulate speakers and capable writers who can access the full curriculum and express their ideas with clarity.

In Key Stage 1, children learn the mechanics of reading through the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, building strong foundations in decoding, fluency and comprehension. They also take part in prosody activities to explore rhythm, expression and meaning in language. Writing focuses on foundational skills such as letter formation, spelling and sentence structure.

In Key Stage 2, guided reading develops fluency, vocabulary and expression. Reading anthologies are used to support learning across subjects, helping children make meaningful connections between texts and the wider curriculum. Writing builds on Key Stage 1 foundations, developing coherence, creativity and purpose across a range of contexts.

Oracy is a key focus throughout school, with structured talk opportunities helping children to speak confidently, listen attentively and explain their ideas clearly.

Through our English curriculum, children become fluent readers, confident communicators and thoughtful writers, equipped for learning across the curriculum and for life beyond school.

Year 1

Children focus on the foundational skills of handwriting, sentence work and basic punctuation and spelling. This is done through the lens of stories.

Year 2

  • Cycle 1: narrative, recount
  • Cycle 2: narrative, instructions
  • Cycle 3: fact file, narrative, letters
  • Cycle 4: narrative, biography, letters

Year 3

  • Cycle 1: narrative, diaries, instructions
  • Cycle 2: non-chronological report, narrative, explanation
  • Cycle 3: narrative, non-chronological narrative, poetry
  • Cycle 4: narrative, biography, letters, poetry

Year 4

  • Cycle 1: non-chronological report, diaries, narrative
  • Cycle 2: non-chronological report, narrative, explanation, poetry
  • Cycle 3: instructions, newspapers, narrative, debate
  • Cycle 4: biography, narrative, letters, poetry

Year 5

  • Cycle 1: non-chronological report, diaries, narrative
  • Cycle 2: narrative, explanation, poetry, newspaper
  • Cycle 3: narrative, non-chronological report, discussion/debate
  • Cycle 4: persuasive, letters, poetry

Year 6

  • Cycle 1: persuasive writing, narrative, letters
  • Cycle 2: non-chronological report, narrative, explanation
  • Cycle 3: diary entry, balanced argument, narrative
  • Cycle 4: non-chronological report, narrative