Curriculum
Reading is at the heart of the curriculum at St Paulinus. From the earliest stages, phonics is taught systematically to ensure children develop fluency and accuracy. As pupils progress, they encounter a wide range of high-quality texts that broaden knowledge, vocabulary and cultural understanding. The curriculum is connected, with texts chosen to link across subjects and themes, supporting a coherent and cumulative journey. Over time, pupils develop both the technical skills of decoding and the disciplinary skills of comprehension, inference and critical reading. Our aim is for every child to become a fluent, confident reader who loves books and values reading as a lifelong skill.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is taught explicitly and cumulatively through reading. New words are introduced in context, discussed, displayed and revisited. Pupils build a wide bank of both Tier 2 (high-frequency academic) and Tier 3 (subject-specific) vocabulary across the curriculum. Strategies such as morphology (roots, prefixes and suffixes) and etymology help pupils make connections and understand how words work. This deliberate approach strengthens comprehension and enriches children’s spoken and written language.
Implementation
We use a structured programme of phonics in EYFS and Key Stage 1, ensuring all pupils become fluent decoders. FASE and whole-class reading sessions provide opportunities for modelling, practice and discussion. Pupils are exposed to diverse texts, from classic literature to contemporary works, ensuring breadth and depth. Teachers use retrieval and questioning to strengthen comprehension and memory. Reading for pleasure is prioritised through library access and shared stories. Assessment informs targeted support, ensuring every child can access the curriculum.
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