English
How Does English at Pickhurst Facilitate the School’s Curriculum Intent?
English Curriculum Intent – Click on the link to view the curriculum intent
At Pickhurst, we follow The Literacy Tree, a complete, book-based English scheme rooted in high-quality children’s literature and closely aligned with the National Curriculum. English teaching and learning are centred around a carefully selected core text, typically studied over a half term. This immersive approach allows pupils to engage deeply with rich, meaningful texts and to develop a genuine love of reading.
Through The Literacy Tree, children explore a wide range of genres, authors and themes. They are supported to develop a deeper understanding of texts through close reading, exploration of authorial language choices, discussion of illustrations and consideration of how texts reflect and connect to real-life experiences. This text-led approach ensures that reading, writing, speaking and listening are purposefully interwoven and meaningful.
The Literacy Tree at Pickhurst places a strong emphasis on the value of books and literature in developing confident, enthusiastic and reflective readers and writers. Within the classroom literacy environment, pupils regularly engage in reading aloud, structured book talk, drama and role play, reader’s theatre and oral storytelling to deepen comprehension and develop expressive language skills.
English skills are taught through planned Literacy Tree learning sequences and during the daily Literacy Hour. During this time, pupils are explicitly taught spelling, reading strategies, handwriting and letter formation, grammar, punctuation, text types and writing conventions, all matched appropriately to their stage of development.
The National Curriculum for English underpins our approach and aims to ensure that all pupils:
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read easily, fluently and with good understanding
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develop the habit of reading widely and often, for pleasure and information
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acquire a wide vocabulary and a secure understanding of grammar and linguistic conventions
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appreciate a rich and varied literary heritage
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write clearly, accurately and coherently for a range of purposes and audiences
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use discussion to deepen learning, explaining and justifying their ideas
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develop confidence and competence in speaking and listening, including presentation and participation in debate
Through The Literacy Tree, Pickhurst ensures that English teaching is engaging, ambitious and inclusive, enabling all pupils to thrive as readers, writers and communicators.
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
EDI
I like English because I love exploring new books and when I write it improves my handwriting each time. I also love English because I love sharing my awesome ideas with my teachers and my classmates. I also like doing spelling because I get a chance to practice and improve them. Lulabelle
