“If you want children to be intelligent, read them fairytales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairytales.”

Albert Einstein

Intent

English lies at the heart of everything we do at Exhall Junior. We want every pupil to be a confident communicator, someone who can read with understanding, write with purpose, and speak with confidence. Through our English curriculum, children discover the power of language to express ideas, share stories and connect with others.

We aim to foster a lifelong love of reading and writing. Pupils encounter rich, diverse texts that broaden their imagination, challenge their thinking, and inspire creativity.

Implementation

Our English curriculum is rooted in high-quality literature. Each year group studies carefully chosen core texts that inspire reading, writing, and discussion. Pupils explore different genres and styles, learning to write with structure, flair and accuracy. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are taught explicitly and revisited regularly to build mastery and confidence.

Reading is prioritised every day, through whole-class reading, guided sessions and independent book choice. Children are encouraged to read for pleasure, to discuss what they read, and to develop the vocabulary and comprehension needed to understand complex ideas. Speaking and listening are equally valued; pupils take part in debates, performances, and presentations that build confidence and clarity.

Impact

By the end of their time at Exhall Junior, pupils are articulate, thoughtful and creative communicators. They can write with accuracy and purpose, read widely and critically, and speak with confidence. Above all, they leave us as curious, independent learners who understand the joy and power of language.