English

English at Northam Primary School (PP–Year 6)

At Northam Primary School, we believe every child can become a confident reader, writer, speaker, and thinker. Our English program is carefully designed to be structured, supportive, and evidence-informed, so students build strong literacy skills step by step, with clear teaching, regular practice, and meaningful opportunities to apply what they learn.

We use a knowledge-rich, text-centred approach through Ochre Education’s Primary English Curriculum, which places high-quality literature at the heart of learning. Across all year levels, reading, writing, speaking, and listening are intentionally connected, helping students grow their language, thinking, and communication skills together.

Building Strong Readers in the Early Years (PP–Year 2)

In the early years, we focus on helping children understand how reading and writing work at a foundational level.

Systematic Phonics – Letters and Sounds: The Code
Children learn how sounds (phonemes) connect to letters and letter patterns (graphemes) so they can read new words confidently and spell accurately, rather than relying on guessing. Lessons follow a clear and predictable structure - Revisit, Teach, Practise, Apply  - supported by short daily review sessions to build memory, fluency, and confidence.

Reading for Meaning
Alongside phonics, children enjoy daily shared reading of rich, engaging texts that may be above their independent reading level. Teachers model fluent reading and guide discussion, helping students grow their vocabulary, listening skills, and understanding of stories and information texts.

Writing from the Start
Writing is taught step by step, beginning with clear sentence construction and gradually building into short paragraphs and simple texts. Children learn to plan, write, and improve their work, with strong support in spelling and handwriting to help them express their ideas clearly.

Growing Independent Readers and Writers (Years 3–6)

As students move into upper primary, English lessons become increasingly focused on deep understanding, critical thinking, and confident communication.

Reading and Literature Study
Students read a wide range of novels, short stories, and information texts. Teachers guide students to:

• Understand key ideas and themes
• Build and apply new vocabulary
• Explore how authors use language for effect
• Discuss, question, and respond to what they read

Students read in different ways - independently, in pairs, and as a class - to build fluency, comprehension, and confidence.

Literacy Pro – Supporting Reading Growth at Northam Primary School

At Northam Primary School, we use Literacy Pro as a key tool to support, monitor, and grow every student’s reading development from the early years through to upper primary.

What is Literacy Pro?
Literacy Pro is an online reading platform that combines a personalised reading assessment with a large digital library of engaging fiction and non-fiction texts. It helps match students with books that are at the right level of challenge for them, so reading is both enjoyable and supportive of growth.

How It Supports Your Child’s Learning
Students regularly complete short online reading check-ups that help teachers understand their current reading level and track progress over time. Based on these results, children are guided to books that:

• Build confidence through successful, independent reading
• Gradually increase in challenge as skills grow
• Match personal interests to encourage motivation and enjoyment

Teachers use Literacy Pro data alongside classroom observations and reading work to plan lessons, provide extra support, and extend students who are ready for greater challenge.

Reading at School and at Home
Literacy Pro allows students to access their personalised digital library both at school and at home. This means families can support regular reading habits using books that are carefully matched to their child’s reading ability.

Spelling and Word Knowledge
Students learn how words work through:

• Spelling patterns and rules
• Prefixes, suffixes, and word roots
• Understanding how meaning changes within words

This helps students become more accurate spellers and stronger readers, while also growing their academic vocabulary.

Writing for Purpose and Audience
Students learn to write across a range of text types, including narrative, persuasive, and informative writing. They are taught how to:

• Structure paragraphs and whole texts
• Use clear topic sentences and supporting details
• Edit and improve grammar, punctuation, and word choice
• Write with a clear purpose and audience in mind