English

At Bickerton, we are committed to providing a high-quality, immersive English curriculum that fosters a love of reading, writing, and spoken language. Through a structured and engaging approach, we equip children with the skills they need to become confident communicators and lifelong learners. Our curriculum values diversity, ensuring all children see themselves reflected in the texts they read and the voices they hear.

Phonics and Spelling

Early reading and spelling are taught using the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme, which provides a systematic and structured approach to phonics. Children develop strong foundations in decoding words through daily phonics lessons, helping them to become fluent, confident readers. As they progress, RWI Spelling builds on this knowledge, reinforcing common spelling patterns, rules, and exceptions in an interactive and engaging way.

Reading

We aim to nurture a love of reading while developing enquiring minds that question, interpret, and explore texts in depth. After completing RWI Phonics in Early Years and Key Stage 1, children progress to using Cracking Comprehension in Key Stage 2 to enhance their ability to infer meaning, retrieve key information, and critically engage with a diverse range of texts. We ensure that our curriculum reflects and celebrates different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, valuing diversity in literature and fostering empathy and understanding.

Writing

Writing is taught through The Literacy Company’s Pathways to Write, providing a structured approach that inspires creativity and develops technical accuracy. Children are immersed in high-quality texts that encourage them to explore ideas, challenge perspectives, and express themselves with confidence. Through carefully planned lessons, they learn to craft well-structured, coherent pieces across a range of genres, with a focus on vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Speaking and Listening

Effective communication is at the heart of our English curriculum. We provide opportunities for children to develop their speaking and listening skills through discussions, drama, and presentations, enabling them to articulate ideas confidently and listen actively. By fostering enquiring minds, we encourage children to think critically, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

By combining these high-quality programmes with immersive learning experiences and a strong commitment to valuing diversity, we ensure that all children at Bickerton develop a deep appreciation for English, empowering them to become lifelong learners who can thrive in an ever-changing world.