At St Joseph’s, we believe that learning to read and write is one of the most important skills a child can develop. It opens the door to learning, self-expression, and future success. Our approach to English is not just about teaching the technical skills—it’s about nurturing a genuine love of stories, language, and literature in all its forms.

From Nursery through to the end of Key Stage 1, our English curriculum is rich, inclusive, and carefully structured to support every child. We place a strong emphasis on high-quality texts and meaningful writing experiences that spark creativity and build confidence. Children are encouraged to explore language through storytelling, discussion, and imaginative play, helping them become thoughtful and expressive communicators.

Poetry plays a special role in our curriculum. Each half-term includes a dedicated poetry unit that introduces children to the language and themes of the topic they’re exploring. This helps to build vocabulary, deepen understanding, and foster a love of rhythm, rhyme, and creative expression.

English is at the heart of learning at St Joseph’s. It helps children speak and write fluently, express their ideas and emotions, and understand the world around them. Through reading, children grow not only intellectually, but also emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Literature helps them explore different perspectives, build empathy, and connect with others.

Reading also supports learning across the curriculum, helping children make connections and deepen their understanding in all subjects. We know that strong language skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—are essential for children to thrive in school and in life. That’s why we are committed to ensuring every child becomes a confident communicator.

Our aim is for all children to leave Key Stage 1 as competent, enthusiastic readers and writers. We want them to read fluently and with understanding, to enjoy books for both pleasure and information, and to write clearly and creatively for a range of audiences and purposes. Most importantly, we want them to feel confident expressing their ideas and engaging with the world through language.