ENGLISH
At Bursledon Federation, English is the foundation of all learning. Our curriculum brings together reading, writing, phonics, spelling and oracy to ensure every child becomes a confident communicator, fluent reader and capable writer.
Reading is taught through high‑quality texts that build vocabulary, comprehension and a love of books. Children learn to read fluently, talk about texts confidently and develop strong inference and evaluation skills.
Writing is taught through clear modelling, structured progression and high expectations. Pupils learn to plan, draft and revise writing effectively, using rich vocabulary, accurate grammar and purposeful authorial choices.
Phonics provides a strong early start through a consistent, systematic programme that ensures secure decoding for all children. Click here for more information.
Spelling builds on phonics and teaches patterns and rules so that pupils can spell with confidence and accuracy. Click here for more information.
Oracy is embedded throughout English, enabling pupils to articulate ideas, explain thinking and engage in high‑quality talk that supports learning across the curriculum. Click here for more information.
Across all strands, teachers create a culture of high expectations, clear routines and meaningful practice. By the end of Key Stage 2, children leave Bursledon as confident readers, writers and speakers, well‑prepared for the next stage of education and life beyond primary school.
How do we teach English in the Bursledon Federation?
At Bursledon Federation our English curriculum sits at the heart of all learning. It provides engaging, motivating and inspiring opportunities that are designed to instil a love of English and literature. We use a rich breath of quality texts which promote high standards of language and communication alongside a highly effective phonics programme so that every child becomes a fluent reader.
The teaching of specific grammar and spelling skills through our English learning journeys empowers our children to write creatively and nurtures a culture of pride in their writing. Once the foundational skills of transcription—such as secure handwriting, phonics knowledge and accurate spelling—are established, children are given rich opportunities to apply these skills in increasingly creative and purposeful writing. We endeavour to provide children with the experiences, skills and knowledge that enable them to communicate effectively through spoken and written language and equip them with the confidence and accuracy needed to become lifelong learners.
Click here for an example of a Writing journey.
What does a Bursledon Writing expert look like?
A Bursledon Writing Expert is a thoughtful, confident and creative communicator who writes with accuracy, purpose and a developing authorial voice. They draw on secure foundational skills in transcription to craft writing that is clear, coherent and engaging. They think, talk and write like a writer: planning ideas, choosing vocabulary intentionally, refining their work and using grammar to shape meaning for their reader.
Fluent transcriber – uses secure phonics knowledge, accurate spelling and fluent handwriting to record ideas clearly and efficiently, enabling cognitive energy to focus on composition.
Purposeful author – understands why they are writing and selects language, structure and techniques to suit the audience and purpose.
Confident communicator – uses oracy skills to rehearse ideas aloud, explore language choices and articulate their intentions before writing.
Vocabulary builder – draws on a rich and ever‑growing bank of vocabulary to add precision, detail and impact to their writing.
Skilled composer – plans, drafts and edits writing, making deliberate choices about sentence structure, grammar and punctuation to enhance meaning.
Reflective editor – revises work thoughtfully, improving clarity, accuracy and effect through self‑editing and response to feedback.
Engaged learner – shows pride, resilience and enthusiasm for writing, embracing challenges and striving to improve as a writer across all genres.
Reading
At Bursledon Federation early reading is a priority. It is part of our culture, not ‘just a lesson.’ We genuinely believe that reading unlocks the doors to the rest of the curriculum and lifelong learning. We have a vigorous programme of phonics within a broad and language-rich curriculum. Practically, this looks like short, discrete daily sessions at a brisk pace. We have fidelity to the programme developed by the Springhill English Hub. Our phonics lead continues to monitor and support coaching for all staff to ensure they are experts of phonics. Reading is not a ‘one size fits all approach’ however it is adapted and focused to ensure all learners, no matter of their starting points, make progress. Sometimes this can mean that pupils receive additional interventions to close gaps and continue moving forwards with their reading. We teach reading from Year 1 onwards with a specific 'Learning to Read' lesson which encourages the development of reading comprehension skills and unpicking the meaning behind words. Each year group has their own half termly incentive designed to encourage regular reading at home (three times a week or more) shown in their Home School Learning Log. We also have very special 'Bursledon Reading Vending Machines' where children who are making extra effort with their reading can be chosen by teachers to receive a golden token to put into the machine to take home their very own 'Love to Read' book.
At Bursledon we have 2 types of books
1. 'Learn to Read' book - This is a book a child can read. It is based on their phonic knowledge. Our children take these books home to share with an adult but should not require support to read it. This is also the book that the children will read in the 'apply' section of their phonics lessons and also adult led guided reading sessions.
2. 'Love to Read' book - This is a book that our children will have chosen from the library. They might not be able to read it by themselves but can read it with another member of the family - or it can be read to them.
What does a Bursledon Reading expert look like?
• is empowered.
•unlocks their potential to achieve in every area of future life.
• uses their imagination to develop creativity.
• can question, converse and reflect
• can make connections to other areas of learning.
• is able to talk passionately about literature.
• is inspired to explore a wide range of texts.
• has a love of poetry who can recite poems and rhymes by heart.
Here are the 'Learn to Read' texts which drive each year group's learning journeys for writing:
Year R 'Learn to Read' - Click here
Year 1 'Learn to Read' - Click here
Year 2 'Learn to Read' - Click here
Year 3 'Learn to Read' - Click here
Year 4 'Learn to Read' - Click here
Year 5 'Learn to Read' - Click here
Year 6 'Learn to Read' - Click here
Here is our Federation 'Love to Read' map which includes any texts that the children explore throughout each topic.
Click here
Click here to see the progression of skills for Reading at Bursledon (EYFS and KS1)
Click here to see the progression of skills for Reading at Bursledon (KS2)
Poetry by heart spine: Click here
Supporting SEND
In the Bursledon Federation we believe all children should have access to our curriculum irrespective of need. Our teachers adapt provision to ensure all children can aim for appropriate objectives by removing certain barriers where needed, so everyone feels included and valued.
English SEND Non-Negotiables:
SEND Non-negotiables for reading and writing
Work Examples
