English
What is English?
English is the study of language and stories. At Vermont School, it helps children belong by sharing and understanding experiences, believe in themselves as confident readers, writers, and speakers, and achieve by using words with creativity and purpose. Through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, pupils build skills that help them thrive in learning, friendships, and future life.
Why do we teach English?
We teach English to give every child a voice and the power to connect with others. It helps pupils belong to a community of learners, believe in their abilities through resilience and creativity, and achieve success by communicating with clarity and imagination. English opens doors to culture, opportunities, and aspirations, preparing children to thrive both in school and beyond.
How we teach English
At Vermont School, English is taught through a rich, carefully sequenced curriculum that builds skills step by step. Children explore a wide range of stories, non-fiction, and poetry that inspire imagination and reflect diverse voices. Key knowledge and skills are revisited often, helping pupils practise, grow in confidence, and achieve success. Learning is made engaging through drama, discussion, performance, and enrichment opportunities, while strong support ensures every child can access and enjoy English. In line with our values, pupils belong by connecting through stories, believe in themselves as readers and writers, and achieve through creativity, resilience, and expression.
Our Reading Spine
We developed our Reading Spine to help us learn about ourselves and others through stories. It supports our PSHE, British Values and SMSC by teaching us about kindness, fairness and difference, and it helps us Belong, Believe and Achieve while becoming stronger readers. Our Reading Spine is here