At St Joseph’s, we believe that the ability to read and write is a vital life skill that opens the door to learning, self-expression, and future success. We are passionate about nurturing not only the technical skills of reading and writing, but also a genuine love of literature and the many forms it can take.

Our English curriculum is rich, inclusive, and carefully structured to support children from Nursery through to the end of Key Stage 1. We place a strong emphasis on high-quality texts and purposeful writing experiences that inspire creativity and confidence.

Poetry at the Heart of Learning

Poetry is woven throughout our English curriculum. Each half-term has a dedicated poetry unit, designed to introduce children to the language and themes of the topic. This approach helps to build vocabulary, deepen comprehension, and foster a love of rhythm, rhyme, and expression. 

The Purpose of English at St Joseph’s

English holds a central place in both education and society. A high-quality English education enables children to speak and write fluently, express their ideas and emotions, and understand the world around them. Through reading, children grow culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Literature plays a key role in this development, helping children to explore diverse perspectives and build empathy.

Reading also supports knowledge acquisition and helps children make connections across the curriculum. All language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—are essential for full participation in society. Children who do not develop these skills risk being left behind, which is why we are committed to ensuring every child becomes a confident communicator.

Our Aims

At St Joseph’s Infant School and Nursery, we are dedicated to developing each child’s abilities through an integrated programme of:

• Speaking and listening
• Reading and writing
• Phonics and grammar
• Vocabulary and comprehension

Children are given opportunities to apply their English skills across the curriculum in meaningful and engaging ways. We strive for all pupils to become competent, enthusiastic readers and writers.

By the end of Key Stage 1, our aim is for every child to:

• Read easily, fluently, and with good understanding
• Develop a habit of reading widely and often, for pleasure and for information
• Acquire a broad vocabulary and a strong grasp of grammar and linguistic conventions
• Begin to appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
• Write clearly, coherently, and for a range of audiences and purposes
• Express their ideas confidently through speaking and listening