English
English at Harris Primary School
At Harris, we want our children to become confident readers, writers and speakers. We encourage our pupils to enjoy books, express themselves clearly and develop a lifelong love of language.
Our Intent
Our children are encouraged to read accurately, fluently and with enjoyment. We help them to write with stamina, imagination and pride. We support them to speak clearly and listen respectfully so they can contribute to discussions, debates and performances. Alongside this, we help our pupils to build a wide vocabulary, develop secure grammar knowledge and gain a real appreciation of stories, poetry and information texts.
How We Do This
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. Our children begin their journey through Red Rose Letters and Sounds, with daily phonics sessions in Reception and Year 1. They take home books carefully matched to the sounds they are learning, along with a library book to share for pleasure. As they move through school, our pupils experience daily whole-class and guided reading sessions using high-quality texts. Reading for pleasure is central: every class has daily story time, we celebrate events like World Book Day, and we work closely with parents to encourage a love of books at home.
Writing also has a special place in our curriculum. Our children follow the Lancashire Teaching Sequence, which takes them through exploring texts, gathering ideas, modelling, drafting, editing and publishing with pride. They write in a wide range of genres, developing grammar, punctuation and vocabulary in meaningful contexts. Extended writing at the end of each unit helps our pupils to build stamina and independence.
Handwriting is taught discretely and consistently. Our children learn through Letter-join and Red Rose formation phrases, giving them a clear and structured approach. In Reception and Year 1 they have daily sessions to secure correct letter formation, and by Year 2 most pupils are joining their writing. In Key Stage 2 our children refine fluency, stamina and style, developing a personal but legible script. Across the school, handwriting is modelled by staff and expectations remain high in every subject.
Spelling, grammar and punctuation are taught systematically from the early years through to Key Stage 2. Our children learn the rules, patterns and strategies they need, and are encouraged to apply them directly in their writing. Parents are supported with spelling lists and guidance so that learning continues at home.
Assessment and Feedback
Our children’s progress is checked every day through questioning, marking and feedback. Independent writing is moderated each term and statutory assessments are completed at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. We use SONAR to track our pupils’ progress, identify gaps quickly and provide targeted support whenever it is needed.
The Impact
By the time our pupils leave Harris, they are fluent readers who understand and enjoy a wide range of texts. They can write accurately and imaginatively, presenting their work with pride. Their handwriting is fluent, joined and consistent, and they are able to speak with confidence in many different situations. At Harris we are proud that our children leave us as confident communicators, ready for the next stage of their education.
