At Holy Trinity we promote the value of literacy. We provide a high quality English Curriculum that is underpinned with key reading and writing skills which are explicitly taught.
We believe that the end goal-equipping our students with a lifelong love of reading is based on exposure to a range of quality fiction and non-fiction texts that reflect our pupils and their culture and heritage.
Early Reading
We use Little Wandle as our chosen phonics scheme. This programme is followed with rigor and fidelity by teachers and teaching assistants. Little Wandle fully decodable books are then used for Reading Sessions.
KS1 and Year 3 use the Little Wandle Fluency Scheme. The programme develops all aspects of reading including prosody using a wide range of vibrant, diverse and engaging chapter books.
Reading in Key Stage 2
Years 4, 5 and 6 take part in whole class reading sessions. Reading material is taken from a variety of sources ensuring texts are engaging. They enthuse the children to widen their reading repertoire and are often linked to a previous topic taught in the wider curriculum. In these sessions children work further on their comprehension skills.
Year 4 and Year 5 have Fixing Fluency sessions throughout the year which gives them an opportunity to work further on their prosody.
Reading for pleasure beyond Reading lessons
We believe that it is important that children experience stories being read to them and have embedded a daily storytime session into our curriculum. This provides an opportunity for further exposure to quality texts and modelling of the reading process. Reading for Pleasure is further enhanced through our weekly Bedtime Stories pack and loans from our well resourced library.
How can I support my child with reading?
Your child will come home with a reading book every week. It is important that you read with your child, listening to them read the book they bring home from school that is closely matched to their reading ability. Your child may come home with a share together book, these are a great way to share a book. At any age, it is always important to talk about the book and what has happened, including any favourite parts or characters.
Having books at home and your child seeing reading as part of everyday life is also important. Knowing that someone important to them loves stories and books is going to help to support your child to be a life-long reader.
Don't forget, our school library is open every Friday after school if you would like to come and read a book with your child or choose a book that you can take home to enjoy.
Writing in Early Years
In the Early Years, writing development begins with the growth of both gross and fine motor skills, which are essential building blocks for future writing success. Children are encouraged to explore mark making as an early form of written expression. As they progress, they begin to write their own names and use the phonics knowledge they have gained in Reception to write short captions and simple sentences, with the support of their teacher. This approach supports children in developing confidence and independence in their early writing journey.
Writing in Key Stage 1
As children progress into Key Stage 1, their phonics knowledge continues to underpin their writing development. In Year 1, pupils write dictated sentences that align with their phonics understanding, supporting accurate spelling and sentence structure. There is a strong focus on transcription skills, with particular attention given to correct letter formation. Throughout the year, children are exposed to a wide range of high-quality texts, allowing them to learn from skilled writers and develop a love of writing. In Year 2, pupils continue to develop their transcription skills but also start to develop their understanding of who they are writing for and why they are writing.
Writing in Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, pupils continue to deepen their understanding of writing for different audiences and purposes. They explore the craft of writing by studying high-quality model texts and identifying key features of different genres. Writing is structured through a five-stage process, with a strong emphasis on planning before writing, as well as editing and revising during and after the drafting process. Across a broad range of text types and purposes, children develop greater independence and confidence in their writing, building on their skills to produce thoughtful, well-structured, and engaging pieces.
How can I support my child with writing?
Encourage your child to write about topics that interest and excite them, whether it's creating lists, writing recipes, or inventing short stories. Supporting activities that develop fine motor skills—such as cutting, playing with play-dough, pegging out washing, or threading—will also help build the physical foundations for writing. Reading regularly or listening to stories being read aloud is equally important, as it helps children develop a rich vocabulary and a deeper understanding of how writing works.