Our Curriculum:

At Bedford Primary School, we recognise that the curriculum we deliver is the toolkit we send our children out into the world with. It reflects our context, core values and the kind of citizens we want them to be. We have to be ambitious for them and prepare them for a rapidly changing digital world.

"When I read great literature, great drama or speeches I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings

and thoughts through language."     

James Earl Jones

The skills of a great student of English:

• A strong command of spoken language underpins the development of vocabulary, grammar and the understand needed for effective reading and writing so confidence and competence in this aspect of English is key. 
• The ability to be imaginative, listen carefully, think creatively and express themselves clearly through the conventions of discussion and debate refines ideas and understanding.  
• Ease and fluency in reading are also essential for children are to gain enjoyment from reading widely and often, for pleasure or information.
• A good writer has stamina and  a good understanding of purpose and audience and uses this knowledge to adapt their style, flair and language choices.  Proof-reading and editing are habitually used to evaluate the impact of each piece

Throughout the subject of English, our pupils will also demonstrate additional traits from our Bedford Learner Profile including resilience, adaptability, ambition, digital citizenship, effective teamwork and the ability to learn through and from mistakes.

Our vision for English:

At Bedford Primary we aim to foster an engaging and accessible for all curriculum that ensures all children have access to a rich, deep, varied and enjoyable English experience. 

We believe that a high quality English education is essential.  We aim for our children to hear quality and a variety of language which they can then use in their own vocabulary, to develop a love of reading, to be inspired by texts and use their knowledge to help develop their imaginations, to be able to read fluently and understand what they are reading and have good speaking and listening skills  

Our English Curriculum: 

At Bedford we have drawn upon a range of different sources to support in creating our English curriculum.  We are constantly reviewing and evaluating our learning journey to ensure we have an inspiring English curriculum which supports the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum.  Click on the links below to find out more information about English at Bedford

Key Documentation

English Progression Maps

Following the National curriculum objectives, we have created progression maps for each year group to outline key skills that need to be taught. 

Parental support:

The most important thing you can do at home to support your child with English is to read, read and read some more.  While it is vital that your child reads the book they are sent home with to you, it is just as important for you to share different books with them at home.  It would be great for children to have special time with parents while you share a book they have chosen together, either with both of you reading some or adults just reading it to the children.  This will help children to develop their vocabulary but will also hopefully give your children a love of reading.  Bootle Library is a great resource for allowing children to choose a wide range of books.