The foundation which underlies our children’s experiences at Carclaze, and future success in life, is the development of their English language skills. At Carclaze we have an English curriculum which centres upon exposure to high quality texts, builds a love of reading and provides the early experiences needed to enable every child to become a confident reader and writer. We aim for our pupils to develop confidence in speaking and listening, and a love of language, which they then transfer confidently into their reading and writing.

In reading, we teach the National Curriculum progressively, with daily access to high quality texts, to teach the required skills and foster a love of reading. We also place a high value on developing the vocabulary needed to flourish with reading in all contexts.

In writing, we teach the National Curriculum in a way that is structured and progressive, giving children varied opportunities to apply their writing skills.

Our curriculum is driven by high quality texts and novels, which the children enjoy and study in order to develop their skills in reading and writing. Our novel study curriculum is based on our belief that reading and writing are inextricably linked, and that developing a passion for literature and language is a prerequisite to achieving in English.

Through the exposure to, and teaching of, the vocabulary embedded within our novel study curriculum, we aim to meet the needs of all learners, to ensure that every child is taught and has access to the vocabulary they need to achieve. Our staff are passionate about developing children’s love of reading, and are enabled to share their enthusiasm through their novel studies and by supporting children’s wider reading. We believe that there is no greater privilege than sharing the worlds found in literature with children.

Our novel study curriculum also aims to support children’s development beyond the English curriculum: the opportunities for deep exploration of complex issues, which provide a safe vehicle to discuss values, empathise with others and understand their own feelings. The range of novels covered throughout the children’s primary experience ensure that every child will experience stories, ideas and feelings, which leave an impression on them.