English

Like all state-funded schools, we follow the National Curriculum to ensure that the teaching and learning of English is broad, balanced, and progressive. Our approach has been carefully reviewed and adapted in line with national developments to ensure it remains current, rigorous, and responsive to pupils’ needs.

English is taught daily, with a strong emphasis on developing confident, articulate, and skilled communicators. Our writing curriculum is delivered through structured, sequential lessons that prioritise sentence mastery, grammatical accuracy, and the explicit teaching of key language features. Teachers model high-quality writing, providing clear scaffolds to support pupils as they develop their skills. Units of work provide opportunities for children to independently apply these skills across a range of genres, enabling them to write with increasing confidence and adaptability.

Reading is a central pillar of our curriculum. Whole-class reading lessons take place four times a week, ensuring comprehensive coverage of high-quality texts. These sessions focus on developing fluency and deepening comprehension through structured discussion and written responses. We promote an inclusive approach in which every child reads, with all eyes on the text and a strong emphasis on text tracking, ensuring active participation and sustained engagement from all pupils.

Phonics is introduced from the start of Reception, following the Read Write Inc. programme to build strong early reading foundations. Additional phonics support is provided in Key Stage 2 where necessary, including targeted interventions in Years 3 and 4, alongside Fresh Start provision for pupils in Years 5 and 6. To further support language development, pupils in Years 3 to 6 also benefit from the Bedrock programme, which is used to systematically develop vocabulary, comprehension, and oracy skills.

Our phonics provision is stage-based rather than age-based, allowing pupils to progress according to their individual reading development. Children are provided with carefully matched reading books aligned to their phonics stage, supporting fluency, accuracy, and confidence.

We are committed to fostering a lifelong love of reading. Pupils regularly visit the school library to select books that interest and inspire them. In Key Stage 2, children participate in the Accelerated Reader programme, which encourages reading for pleasure while developing comprehension skills. This programme also supports pupils in tracking their progress and broadening their experience of diverse texts.

Keeping Children at the Heart of Learning at The Linden Academy

At The Linden Academy, our English curriculum is designed with the child at its core, ensuring that every pupil is supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. By tailoring teaching approaches, providing targeted support, and fostering an inclusive environment, we enable all children to develop as confident readers, writers, and communicators. We aim for every child to leave us with a secure foundation in literacy: able to read fluently, think critically about texts, and express themselves clearly and creatively in writing. Beyond academic success, we strive to nurture independence, resilience, and a genuine love of language that will support them throughout their education and into later life.

Celebrating Reading and Writing at The Linden Academy 

We actively celebrate pupils’ achievements in reading and writing to build enthusiasm and pride in their progress. Children are rewarded for consistent reading through certificates, magnetic and scented bookmarks, and other prizes, recognising their commitment and promoting a love of regular reading. Events such as World Book Day provide exciting opportunities for pupils to engage with literature in creative ways, with activities such as dressing up as favourite characters to help bring books to life and inspire a love of reading. We also participate in national writing competitions, including those run by Young Writers, where pupils have had their work published—an achievement that celebrates their talent and motivates them to see themselves as real authors.

Ultimately, our aim at The Linden Academy is to inspire a lifelong love of reading and writing, empowering every child to find their voice.