INTENT
At St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that a broad, well-balanced and progressive English curriculum acts as the foundation for all subjects. From children’s very first day at our school we foster in them a passion for reading, writing and discussion to ensure that all children enjoy English as a subject; that they develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills; and that they can transfer those skills across the wider curriculum to enrich their learning and explore their potential. At St Vincent’s, we know that the teaching and learning of English plays an integral role in children’s education and has a pre-eminent place in education and society. Speaking and listening skills underpins the development of reading and writing and is an integral part of the school day. Our English curriculum ensures that all children learn from a rich creative curriculum that includes a wide range of materials, people, language and styles that aid students in becoming fluent, and confident, readers, writers and speakers and responsive listeners. At St Vincent’s we know that the skill of reading provides children with a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. We ensure that children develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening so that they can express themselves creatively and communicate with others effectively – skills that are both vital and prized in adult life. Above all, we want to ignite children’s curiosity generating creative, critical and innovative thinkers and learners.
In line with The National Curriculum, our intent is that all children:
- 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
- are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.
"Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else's shoes for a while.” Malorie Blackman