St Nicolas English Intent

At St Nicolas C of E Academy, reading lies at the heart of the curriculum, as we believe reading is key for academic success. We are dedicated to igniting a lasting love of reading through engaging all children can in books so that they become fluent, confident readers.

Our creative and challenging English Curriculum Text Map has been designed to engage children’s interest through ambitious and progressive texts matched to our exciting topics. A wide range of authors and genres have been carefully selected to ensure coverage of the following:

• Fiction from our literary heritage

• Historical Fiction

• Fiction/Picture Book

• Traditional Tales Fiction Visual Literacy

• Modern Fiction

The Text Map is reviewed regularly to ensure texts remain relevant and current.

We also have two engaging and inviting libraries that the children help to run.

Writing is a crucial part of our curriculum at St Nicolas. Through a progressive curriculum, children develop a love of writing and are able to express their thoughts and ideas purposefully, clearly and creatively whilst showing an awareness of the reader. At St Nicolas, we are ambitious in our expectations for writing and set purposeful and engaging writing challenges.

To support the learning of reading and phonics we follow the Read, Write Inc Scheme. Further information can be found in the leaflets below.

We enable pupils to confidently use the essential skills of grammar, punctuation and spelling to write effectively. Children learn how to re-read, edit and improve their own writing.  Children take pride in their work and develop a fluent, joined handwriting style whilst allowing their imaginations to flourish. 

Our St Nicolas Speaking and Listening Curriculum is designed with the intent to allow pupils to express their opinions, articulate feelings and listen to and respond appropriately in a range of situations. We maximise every opportunity for pupils to participate with different groups of children to present ideas with confidence, valuing the views of others.  We nurture children’s speaking and listening skills through a variety of approaches: exploratory play, story time, hot-seating, (UNICEF) Rights, Respecting Schools assemblies and Votes for School discussion and participation.