English programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2 - National curriculum in England - September 2013

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Noah

English programmes of study for key stages 1 and 2 set out expectations for pupils in primary education in England, focusing on spoken language, reading, and writing. The document explains the purpose and aims of English, emphasizing fluent speaking and writing, enjoyment of literature, and the development of vocabulary, grammar, and linguistic conventions. It describes statutory requirements supporting discussion, debate, drama practice, and core literacy processes including word reading, decoding, phonics, and comprehension through stories, poems, and non-fiction.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages88

Reading Time3 h 42 min

AccessFree to download

Spoken language – years 1 to 6

Key stage 1 – year 1

Key stage 1 – year 2

Lower key stage 2 – years 3 and 4

Upper key stage 2 – years 5 and 6

English Appendix 1: Spelling

Spelling – work for year 1

Spelling – work for year 2

Spelling – work for years 3 and 4

Word list – years 3 and 4

Spelling – work for years 5 and 6

Word list – years 5 and 6

International Phonetic Alphabet (non-statutory)

English Appendix 2: Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation

Glossary for the programmes of study for English (non-statutory)

English programmes of study: key stages 1 and 2 National curriculum in England September 2013 Contents Spoken language – years 1 to 6 7 Key stage 1 – year 1 9 Key stage 1 – year 2 16 Lower key stage 2 – years 3 and 4 23 Upper key stage 2 – years 5 and 6 31 English Appendix 1: Spelling 39 Spelling – work for year 1 40 Spelling – work for year 2 45 Spelling – work for years 3 and 4 49 Word list – years 3 and 4 54 Spelling – years 5 and 6 56 Word list – years 5 and 6 61 International Phonetic Alphabet (non-statutory) 63 English Appendix 2: Vocabulary, grammar and punctuation 64 Glossary for the programmes of study for English (non-statutory) 70 Purpose of study English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. A high-quality education in English will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. Through reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Literature, especially, plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society; pupils, therefore, who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised. Aims The overarching aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. The national curriculum for English aims to ensure that all pupils: 􀂃 read easily, fluently and with good understanding 􀂃 develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information 􀂃 acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language 􀂃 appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage 􀂃 write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences 􀂃 use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas 􀂃 are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate. Spoken language The national curriculum for English reflects the importance of spoken language in pupils’development across the whole curriculum – cognitively, socially and linguistically. Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing. The quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak are vital for developing their vocabulary and grammar and their understanding for reading and writing. Teachers should therefore ensure the continual development of pupils’ confidence and competence in spoken language and listening skills. Pupils should develop a capacity to explain their understanding of books and other reading, and to prepare their ideas before they write. They must be assisted in making their thinking clear to themselves as well as to others and teachers should ensure that pupils build secure foundations by using discussion to probe and remedy their misconceptions. Pupils should also be taught to understand and use the conventions for discussion and debate. All pupils should be enabled to participate in and gain knowledge, skills and understanding associated with the artistic practice of drama. Pupils should be able to adopt, create and sustain a range of roles, responding appropriately to others in role. They should have opportunities to improvise, devise and script drama for one another and a range of audiences, as well as to rehearse, refine, share and respond thoughtfully to dra

FAQs

What are the main aims of English in the national curriculum?

The national curriculum aims to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of spoken and written English and developing a love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

How does the document describe spoken language in primary education?

Spoken language is presented as central to cognitive, social, and linguistic development. Pupils are expected to build confidence and competence in listening, explain understanding, and use discussion conventions to learn and debate.

What reading skills are emphasized at key stages 1 and 2?

Reading is organized into word reading and comprehension (listening and reading). It stresses phonics for early decoding and comprehension supported by vocabulary, grammar, and knowledge of the world through discussion and reading a range of texts.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Noah