English at Ashbourne Primary School

At Ashbourne Primary School, we place language and literacy at the heart of our curriculum, because we know they are the key to unlocking learning across all subjects.

We believe that every child should develop the ability to read fluently, communicate clearly and write with confidence, enabling them to access the wider curriculum and express their ideas effectively.

Our English curriculum is designed to ensure that all pupils develop a love of reading, a strong command of language and the confidence to communicate with the world around them.

We want all pupils to:

• Become fluent, confident readers who read for both pleasure and purpose
• Develop a rich and ambitious vocabulary
• Communicate clearly through speaking, listening, reading and writing
• Understand that language is a powerful tool for thinking, learning and expressing ideas
• Write effectively for a range of purposes and audiences

We recognise that strong language and literacy skills are essential for success, not only in English but across the entire curriculum.

Our English curriculum is carefully structured and taught through a text-rich, language-focused approach.

Reading and Phonics

Reading is a central priority at Ashbourne Primary School. We teach children both how to learn to read and how to read to learn.

• Early reading is taught through a systematic synthetic phonics programme
• Pupils develop fluency, accuracy and understanding over time
• Children are exposed to a wide range of high-quality texts, genres and authors
• Daily reading opportunities promote both skill development and enjoyment

We aim for all pupils to become confident, fluent readers who can access learning independently.

Writing

Writing is taught through a text-based approach, where pupils learn from high-quality models and use these to develop their own writing.

• Pupils learn to write for a range of purposes and audiences
• Grammar, punctuation and sentence construction are taught explicitly
• Writing is developed through modelled, shared and independent practice
• Pupils are encouraged to express their ideas, opinions and creativity through writing

Oracy and Communication

We place a strong emphasis on spoken language, recognising its importance in developing thinking and learning.

• Pupils are given regular opportunities to discuss, explain and present ideas
• Drama, role play and discussion are used to deepen understanding
• Structured talk supports pupils to organise and articulate their thinking

A Language-Rich Curriculum

Language and literacy are not confined to English lessons.

• Vocabulary is explicitly taught in English and across all subjects
• High-quality texts are used to support learning
• Pupils are encouraged to use ambitious language 

Reading for Pleasure

We are committed to developing a lifelong love of reading.

• Daily class storytime is a non-negotiable part of our timetable
• Pupils are exposed to a wide range of engaging and high-quality texts
• Whole-school events such as World Book Day, poetry festivals and reading challenges celebrate reading
• Children are encouraged to read regularly at home

These experiences help pupils to see reading as both enjoyable and valuable.

As a result of our English curriculum, pupils at Ashbourne Primary:

• Read fluently and with understanding
• Use a broad and ambitious vocabulary
• Communicate clearly and confidently
• Write effectively for different purposes
• Develop a love of reading and learning

They are able to use language confidently to access the wider curriculum, express themselves and engage with the world around them.

Linked to Our Golden Threads

Our English curriculum is at the heart of our Golden Threads:

• Language and Literacy – pupils develop fluency in reading, writing and communication, alongside a rich and ambitious vocabulary, enabling them to access the full curriculum and express their ideas clearly
• Resilience and Regulation – pupils are encouraged to persevere with reading and writing, refine their work and build confidence in sharing their ideas, developing a positive approach to learning
• Belonging and Becoming – pupils explore a wide range of texts, voices and perspectives, helping them to understand themselves and others, and develop confidence as communicators