English

English at Reinwood combines reading, writing, spelling and grammar in a structured way that builds pupils’ confidence and enjoyment through quality texts and purposeful writing.

English Reading Progression Map

English Writing Progression Map

SPAG Glossary

Our English Curriculum

Developing confident communicators through reading, writing, speaking and listening.

At Reinwood, we believe English is central to children’s learning and underpins access to the wider curriculum.

English is taught using the Power of Reading approach, where pupils study high-quality texts to fully immerse themselves in characters, settings and plot. This supports purposeful writing by providing a clear audience and context, while also helping pupils develop a strong understanding of language. Texts are carefully chosen to engage pupils and, where possible, link to wider curriculum themes, helping to foster a love of reading across the school.

English lessons are structured around a weekly extended writing outcome linked to the class text. Pupils are taught key spelling, punctuation and grammar skills, plan their writing, explore genre features and draft their work before proofreading, editing and redrafting based on feedback. This structured approach supports all pupils to improve their writing skills and confidence.

We have high expectations for written work, including handwriting and presentation. Pupils regularly practise handwriting and work towards earning their Pen Licence. Spelling is taught three times a week through engaging lessons, and grammar and punctuation are taught weekly and applied in longer pieces of writing.

Parent Workshop

English Video Guide

Spelling Video Guide

Reading at Reinwood

At Reinwood Junior School, we place a strong emphasis on developing a love of reading and ensuring all pupils become confident, fluent readers.

Pupils are encouraged to read for pleasure and have access to a wide range of carefully selected texts, including fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Children can choose books from both their class libraries and the school library, ensuring exposure to a broad range of authors and genres.

Opportunities to read for pleasure are built into the school day, and pupils also take part in Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) weeks each half term, which are always enthusiastically received. Staff actively promote reading by sharing favourite books and modelling positive reading habits, helping children understand the value and enjoyment of reading both in and out of school. Click here to find out more about how we promote reading.

Reading Lists

Guided Reading

A lifelong love of reading is further developed through Guided Reading lessons, which use high-quality texts and often link closely to those studied in English lessons. Pupils take part in regular discussion to deepen their understanding of characters, themes, plot and authorial intent, while developing vocabulary and a wider breadth of reading.

Guided Reading lessons focus on key comprehension skills using a structured, metacognitive approach. Pupils are taught to draw on prior knowledge, identify barriers to understanding and use strategies to overcome them. They are encouraged to think deeply about texts and to justify their ideas using evidence, helping them to become confident and reflective readers.

Reading at home

We actively encourage pupils to read regularly at home and value the important role parents play in supporting this. Children are encouraged to read aloud, with reading recorded in Reading Records. Effort and progress are celebrated through rewards and certificates, and engaging reading-based activities, such as Extreme Reading, help to promote enjoyment and motivation.

We also work closely with Kirklees libraries and encourage pupils to become members. Through this partnership, children can access a wide range of books, audiobooks and magazines, as well as take part in library-led activities and visits, helping to further support reading for pleasure beyond the classroom.

Inspirational Authors and Poets

We are proud of our links with the local bookshop, which help to inspire pupils’ enthusiasm for reading. Each term, children enjoy discovering a new ‘mystery’ book through our popular Book Bonanza, which generates excitement and curiosity about reading.

Through these partnerships, pupils have also had the opportunity to engage with well-known authors and poets, both in person and virtually. These experiences inspire creativity, raise aspirations and reinforce the enjoyment and importance of reading and writing.