The aims for English, as set out in the new National Curriculum are to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

The National Curriculum for English aims to ensure pupils:

• Read easily, fluently and with good understanding
• Develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information
• Acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
• Appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
• Write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
• Use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas
• Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentation, demonstrating to others and participating in debates

The National Curriculum in England (September 2013)

English Curriculum Intent

We aim to develop confident and articulate pupils who are able to express themselves through both written and spoken means to a range of audiences and for different purposes.

We aim to create a positive reading and writing culture in school, where both are promoted, enjoyed and considered 'a pleasure' for all pupils. Through choosing quality texts, we want pupils to develop a love of reading and a good knowledge of  range of authors and be able to understand more about the world in which they live. Also, we want our pupils to be reading fluency and widely, expressing preferences and opinions about the texts they have read. By the end of their time at Olton primary, we expect all our children to be reading fluently, with confidence in any subject in their forthcoming secondary education. We also expect that they have developed a lifelong love of reading.   

We want children to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. We want pupils to acquire a wide vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar and be able to spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules they learn throughout their time in primary school. We are very aware that some of our pupils' early language within the English language is limited and this is why we believe that providing a language rich environment with a strong focus on oracy, is essential to the success across the curriculum. We want to inspire children to be confident in the art of speaking and listening and who can use discussion to communicate and further their learning.