Kentisbeare C of E Primary School

At Kentisbeare Church of England Primary School, English is taught through carefully selected, high-quality texts that form the backbone of our whole-class reading and writing curriculum. Over time, we have developed and refined a sequence of text-led units of work which enable pupils to engage deeply with rich language, structure and meaning, while developing a broad vocabulary and a secure understanding of how authors write for different purposes and audiences. Our curriculum is informed by high-quality resources and professional guidance, including Devon Education Services’ BookWrites and Literacy Shed Plus, which support the effective teaching of reading and writing in line with the expectations of the National Curriculum for English. By teaching English through shared texts, we ensure all pupils have access to ambitious literature, build cultural capital and develop the knowledge and skills needed to become confident, fluent readers and writers.

Click on the icon below to see view our core texts for each class:

English Curriculum – Intent, Implementation, Impact

Intent
At our school, we aim for every pupil to leave as a confident reader and writer, equipped with the skills to thrive across the curriculum and in life beyond school. We prioritise strong foundations in phonics, spelling, and handwriting, before building higher-order reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing composition skills. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum and a rich, diverse reading spine, pupils are exposed to compelling texts that develop language, cultural understanding, empathy, and critical thinking. Our approach inspires a lifelong love of literature while ensuring every child achieves their potential.

Implementation
English is taught daily across the school. In Reception and KS1, pupils focus on phonics, early reading, handwriting, and writing, supported by carefully matched books and targeted interventions. In KS2, lessons use high-quality texts to integrate reading, grammar, and composition, increasing in complexity and challenge. Lessons are carefully scaffolded with modelling, sentence starters, word banks, oracy, and technology to support independence and inclusion. Spelling and handwriting are taught explicitly and reinforced through tailored interventions. Pupils are encouraged to choose free-reading books independently, with adult guidance and dyslexia-friendly options to foster confidence, enjoyment, and personal engagement with literature.

Impact
Pupils leave our school with reading and writing skills in line with national figures. They write confidently across the curriculum, applying their skills in other subjects, for example producing clear and structured writing in history and science. Children develop a genuine love of reading, feel empowered to choose books that interest them, and enjoy sharing their reading with others. Our English curriculum equips pupils with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to communicate effectively and enjoy literature throughout their lives.