English
English Curriculum
Reading
EYFS (Nursery & Reception):
In Early Years (EYFS) and Year 1, we implement Fisher Family Trust’s (FFT) Success for All Phonics (SFA) programme to establish a strong foundation in early reading. This systematic synthetic phonics programme, validated by the DfE, provides a structured approach to phonics and early reading, focusing on phoneme-grapheme correspondences (GPCs), blending, and segmenting, which are essential for reading fluency.
Reception
In Reception, we introduce children to phonics through a phased, multisensory (actions, learning labs) approach that aligns with FFT’s principles. The programme begins with developing phonological awareness through activities involving sound discrimination, rhyme, and alliteration. By Term 1, pupils start learning short sound Phase 2 GPCs, allowing them to read simple CVC words. These lessons are designed to be engaging and active, involving actions, chants, and cooperative learning techniques to support memory and engagement.
Year 1
In Year 1, the SFA Phonics programme continues to build on the foundation established in Reception. The focus shifts to more complex GPCs, including long vowel sounds, digraphs, and split digraphs, allowing pupils to decode multisyllabic words and recognize a wider range of Common Exception Words (CEWs).
Year 2 & Key Stage 2
By KS2, pupils have typically developed foundational decoding and phonetic skills, so our focus shifts towards reading fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking. We transition to a 6-day cycle in which reading and writing alternate, allowing for intensive, targeted practice in both areas. KS2 whole-class reading lessons are structured to support fluency, vocabulary expansion, and comprehension through diverse, age-appropriate texts that gradually increase in complexity.
Writing
At Westbridge, our writing curriculum encompasses two primary aspects: teaching writing within English lessons and discrete Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS) lessons, as well as applied writing within the broader curriculum. In English lessons, children focus on a book and then write about a theme or topic related to it, covering a variety of genres to expose them to different types of writing. Early Years and Key Stage 1 (KS1) students write daily, while Key Stage 2 (KS2) students alternate between reading and writing over a 6-day cycle – 3 days reading followed by 3 days of writing.
Termly applied writing lessons allow children to apply the writing skills they have learned, demonstrating their understanding within their wider curriculum learning. This approach provides opportunities for children to apply their learning throughout the half term.
Our English programme is designed to expose children to a range of genres and texts, ensuring constant development in reading and writing skills. In KS1 and KS2, strategic assessments in both reading and writing help teachers select texts that meet the needs of all students, addressing gaps related to gender, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), or Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) while providing additional support to ensure success.
FFT scope and coverage Reception
English texts rationale for an inclusive curriculum
