Our Vision

At Hollyfast, it is our intention to secure the necessary oracy, reading and writing skills to become enthusiastic and independent learners. We strive to ensure all our children receive a sequential learning experience, which will equip them with the essential tools to achieve within Hollyfast and beyond. Our core values of perseverance, respect, collaboration, kindness, courage, and excellence are woven throughout our English curriculum. English underpins the work undertaken in all other areas of the curriculum and it is our intention to immerse children in the wonders of quality texts, to foster a love for reading, a passion for discovery and the confidence to explore the world. Through reading a wide range of quality texts and having meaningful discussions, we aim to create valuable, contributing members of society. The acquisition of language skills is of the utmost importance and therefore the teaching of all aspects is given a high priority within school. Our vision is to ensure that every child aims high and achieves their full potential in all aspects of English to become confident readers, writers and communicators.

Our Approach to teaching English

We teach English, every day, as whole class lessons, giving all children access to the age-related skills and knowledge contained in the National Curriculum. English units are carefully mapped out to ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills, as well as the correct coverage of the key genres and text types.

We strongly believe that all pupils should be able to confidently communicate their knowledge and ideas through their writing. We want them to be able to write accurately for a range of audiences and purposes. Our curriculum strives to be ambitious and aspirational; designed to give all learners and groups of learners, including the most disadvantaged and those with SEND and higher levels of needs, the knowledge they need to succeed in the future. We intend for all pupils to secure a wide range of vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar and be able to spell new words effectively by applying the spelling patterns and rules they learn.

Within lessons, enhanced targeted support is provided, where appropriate. This may involve a greater level of scaffolding, access to additional support materials, small group work or a greater level of modelling. Children are given opportunities to develop their writing in a range of ways. This includes developing their use of higher level of vocabulary and grammar features; deepening their understanding of the impact that their writing has on the reader; showing greater control in their writing and using their learnt skills in all areas of the curriculum.

We strongly believe that to be a good writer pupils need to be able to edit their writing, so we encourage children to develop independence in being able to identify their own areas for improvement in all pieces of writing.