English

At Bousfield, English sits at the heart of our curriculum because strong communication skills open doors to every other area of learning. Through reading, writing, speaking and listening, pupils learn to express themselves with clarity, imagination and confidence.

From the very beginning of school, we prioritise reading. Phonics is taught systematically using the Essential Letters and Sounds scheme, ensuring that every child builds secure foundations for fluent and accurate reading. This structured approach enables children to decode confidently and make rapid progress. Alongside phonics, we place a strong emphasis on developing comprehension and vocabulary so that pupils can not only read words but also understand, enjoy and discuss them.

At Bousfield, we believe passionately in the love of reading. Children are immersed in a wide range of high-quality texts, from timeless classics to contemporary works that reflect diverse voices and perspectives. Reading for pleasure is central to our approach: classrooms are full of rich book corners, we host regular reading events, and we encourage children to see books as both a source of knowledge and a gateway to imagination.

In writing, pupils develop accuracy, creativity and stamina. They are taught to craft their ideas through modelling, shared writing, and editing, ensuring they can write effectively for a range of audiences and purposes. Grammar, punctuation and spelling are embedded within meaningful contexts, supporting children to become precise and confident writers.

Oracy underpins everything we do: pupils are encouraged to articulate their thinking, listen attentively, and engage respectfully in discussion and debate. Drama is also a longstanding tradition at Bousfield, with our amphitheatre and two halls providing inspiring spaces for performance. These opportunities allow children to bring texts to life, build confidence in public speaking, and experience the joy of performing for an audience.

Where suitable, we make cross-curricular links between English and other subjects. This allows children to apply their literacy skills in meaningful contexts while reducing cognitive overload, helping them to deepen understanding without fragmenting their learning.

We are committed to ensuring that every child succeeds in English, including those with additional needs. Support is carefully tailored, and we use a range of strategies to ensure access and progress for all learners. In particular, the Lexia programme provides targeted, personalised support to help children develop reading skills with confidence.

Our ultimate aim is that every child leaves Bousfield as an enthusiastic reader, a capable writer, and a confident communicator, fully prepared for the next stage of their education.