Our bespoke English model is simple, consistent and ambitious. It builds strong readers and writers, connects learning across the curriculum, and keeps joy at the heart of reading and writing.

Our aim

At Russells Hall, English is the thread that connects learning across the curriculum. We want every child to become a confident reader, a thoughtful speaker, and a powerful writer—ready to use words to understand the world and make a difference in it.

How English works here

Across the year, each class follows a simple, consistent cycle:

1) Reading Booklet (6 weeks)

• Daily reading using a high-quality text.

• Vocabulary is taught explicitly so children meet, use, and remember new words.

• Regular fluency meetings with the teacher (short 1:1 or small-group check-ins) help each child read with accuracy, expression and confidence.

• We also make time for reading for pleasure—sharing stories aloud together to build a love of books.

2) Writing Unit (6 weeks)

• Children learn how writing works for real purposes—stories, reports, letters, explanations, and more.

• Teachers model each step, build sentence control, and provide clear success criteria so pupils know how to improve.

3) Integrated Assessment Week (1 week)

• A short project brings reading, writing and speaking together.

• Children apply what they’ve learned in English to current topics in Science, Geography, History or PSHE—showing they can use their knowledge, not just recall it.

4) Reading Floorbook (ongoing)

• Each class keeps a “reading journey” book with photos, pupil voice, new vocabulary and examples of work.

• This gives families and governors a window into the reading diet and progress across the term.

How we support every child

• Stretch and scaffold: We provide extra challenge for confident readers and targeted support for those who need it—without lowering expectations.

• Early help: If a child finds reading hard, we act quickly with short, focused support, including additional fluency practice.

• Talk first: Structured discussion is built into lessons so children can rehearse ideas before writing.

Why this approach works

• Consistency: Every class follows the same rhythm, so children know what to expect and how to succeed.

• Vocabulary for life: Words are taught, revisited and used in context, helping knowledge stick.

• Real purpose: Reading and writing connect to wider learning, making tasks meaningful and memorable.

• Confidence and joy: Regular fluency practice and shared story time grow skill and love of reading.

How we track progress

• Teachers check understanding in lessons and give precise feedback.

• We use a simple set of shared success criteria and short writing samples each week to see what’s improving.

• Termly assessments and our school tracking system help us spot patterns, plan next steps and share clear updates with families.

How you can help at home

• Read together most days—little and often makes the biggest difference.

• Talk about new words you meet in books and in everyday life.

• Encourage your child to notice and enjoy language: jokes, poems, song lyrics, sports reports—anything with words!

What you’ll see in your child’s books

• A clear cycle across the term: Reading Booklet → Writing Unit → Integrated Project.

• New vocabulary highlighted and used in sentences and longer pieces.

• Short, regular writing that shows growing control of ideas, paragraphs and punctuation.

• Evidence of links to other subjects (for example, using scientific knowledge in an explanation text).