Reading
Comprehension & Interpretation
- Identify explicit & implicit information
- Understand main ideas, details, viewpoints
- Summarise information from one or more texts
Primary · Years 1–6
Primary English (Years 1–6)
A clear breakdown of the key areas taught in Primary English across Years 1 to 6, aligned to the National Curriculum strands of Reading, Writing, and Spoken Language.
Year 1 (Ages 5–6)
1Reading
- Phonics-based decoding (systematic synthetic phonics).
- Common exception words (e.g., the, said, one).
- Read simple sentences aloud with accuracy.
- Enjoyment of stories, rhymes, and poems; retelling.
1Writing
- Compose simple sentences orally before writing.
- Basic punctuation: capital letters, full stops, question marks.
- Spell common words and simple phoneme–grapheme patterns.
- Letter formation: correct size and orientation.
1Spoken Language
- Listen and respond appropriately.
- Use new vocabulary from class texts.
- Speak in full sentences; retell simple stories.
Year 2 (Ages 6–7)
2Reading
- Consolidate phonics; improve fluency and expression.
- Make simple inferences about characters/events.
- Discuss favourite books; predict outcomes.
2Writing
- Narratives, recounts, simple poetry.
- Expanded noun phrases; conjunctions (and, but, because).
- Punctuation: commas in lists; apostrophes (possession/omission).
- Consistent letter sizing; begin joined handwriting.
2Spoken Language
- Discuss texts and express opinions.
- Perform simple poems/stories aloud.
- Ask and answer questions clearly.
Year 3 (Ages 7–8)
3Reading
- Read more complex texts; recognise themes.
- Use dictionaries to check meanings.
- Identify fiction/non‑fiction features; summarise key points.
- Infer meaning and support with evidence.
3Writing
- Organise writing into paragraphs.
- Dialogue with accurate speech punctuation.
- Extend sentences with adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions.
- Plan, draft, and edit; prefixes/suffixes.
3Spoken Language
- Explain ideas clearly in more detail.
- Listen for key points; take conversational turns.
- Present short talks confidently.
Year 4 (Ages 8–9)
4Reading
- Increase fluency and expression.
- Identify themes, setting, character motivation.
- Compare texts; discuss author choices.
- Summarise key ideas within paragraphs.
4Writing
- Write stories, reports, letters, explanations.
- Use fronted adverbials; secure speech punctuation.
- Logical paragraphing; consistent handwriting.
- Develop cohesion across sections.
4Spoken Language
- Participate in discussions and light debates.
- Give reasoned answers; perform plays/poems.
- Use intonation for clarity and effect.
Year 5 (Ages 9–10)
5Reading
- Read longer, challenging texts independently.
- Analyse author’s language, tone, and viewpoint.
- Compare genres and themes across texts.
- Make detailed inferences using evidence.
5Writing
- Write for varied audiences: narrative, persuasive, reports, argument.
- Use modal verbs, relative clauses, and advanced cohesion.
- Punctuation: brackets, dashes, commas for clauses.
- Edit and redraft with increasing independence.
5Spoken Language
- Build arguments; justify opinions with evidence.
- Shift appropriately between formal and informal language.
- Perform poetry/prose with control and confidence.
Year 6 (Ages 10–11)
6Reading
- Analyse a broad range of fiction, non‑fiction, and poetry.
- Evaluate author techniques and their impact.
- Compare and synthesise information across sources.
- Prepare for secondary‑level comprehension/inference.
6Writing
- Write fluently for diverse purposes and audiences.
- Adapt tone and style; manage complex sentences.
- Punctuation: colons, semicolons, hyphens; secure cohesion.
- Produce extended independent pieces with accuracy and flair.
6Spoken Language
- Deliver presentations using Standard English.
- Debate and respond thoughtfully to others.
- Perform/read aloud with confidence and expression.
Progression Summary (Years 1–6)
| Strand | Focus in Early Years | Development Through KS1 | Mastery by KS2 End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Phonics and decoding | Fluency and basic comprehension | Analysis and critical interpretation |
| Writing | Letter formation and simple sentences | Grammar, punctuation, varied text types | Confident composition and stylistic control |
| Spoken Language | Listening and responding | Expressing ideas clearly | Presenting and debating using formal English |