Primary English
Developing confident readers, thoughtful writers, and capable users of language.
An individual programme for children aged 6–11, with attention to reading, literature, writing, vocabulary, grammar, spelling, speaking, and discussion.
Studio Intake · 1-2 Learners Per Studio Term
What is Primary English?
Primary English is an individual programme for children aged 6–11, focused on developing the knowledge, skills, and habits needed to become capable readers, writers, speakers, and users of language.
English is approached as both a subject and a way of making sense of the world. Children read stories and other texts, encounter new vocabulary and ideas, discuss what they have read, and use what they are learning in their own speaking and writing.
The programme treats reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary as separate activities.
What We Work On
Reading and Comprehension
Developing accurate, fluent reading and the ability to understand, interpret, explain, and discuss what has been read.
Literature and Children’s Books
Reading and discussing stories, novels, picture books, poetry, and other literary texts, with attention to characters, ideas, language, structure, and meaning.
Writing
Developing sentence, paragraph, and composition writing, with attention to ideas, organisation, vocabulary, style, spelling, grammar, and revision.
Grammar and Language
Understanding how English works through sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, word forms, and language in context.
Vocabulary and Knowledge
Encountering new words and ideas through reading and discussion, developing word knowledge, and building the background knowledge that supports understanding.
Spelling
Developing accurate spelling through phonics, spelling patterns, word structure, morphology, and regular practice appropriate to the learner’s stage.
Speaking and Discussion
Developing the ability to listen carefully, explain ideas, ask questions, discuss texts, and communicate clearly.
The Curricula We Use
The Primary English programme draws on established primary English curricula alongside original materials developed by the Studio. These curricula inform the selection, sequence, and development of learning across reading, literature, writing, language, vocabulary, spelling, speaking, and discussion.
Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA)
A knowledge-rich English language arts curriculum supporting reading, writing, vocabulary, literature, grammar, spelling, listening, speaking, and the development of background knowledge.
Cambridge Primary English
An international English curriculum supporting the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with progression in vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, literature, and written expression.
EL Education K–5 Language Arts
A literature- and knowledge-rich curriculum supporting close reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, discussion, and the development of increasingly independent readers and writers.
Studio Workbooks
Original workbooks developed by the Studio to support its curriculum, teaching approach, and the individual needs of each learner.
These curricula provide important sources for the programme, while teaching is adapted to the individual learner and developed through the Studio’s own practice.
What the Child May Develop
Through the programme, child may develop:
Greater fluency and independence in reading
Stronger comprehension of literary and informational texts
Broader vocabulary and background knowledge
Greater ability to explain, discuss, and interpret what they have read
Stronger sentence and grammatical knowledge
More accurate spelling
Greater control over written language
Ability to organise and develop ideas in writing
Greater awareness of how language works
Greater confidence speaking and discussing ideas
Increasing independence in reading, writing, and learning
The 16-Week Learning Journey
The programme develops progressively across weeks, with learning shaped around the child’s starting point, needs, and progress.
Weeks 1–2
Establishing a Starting Point
Reading, writing, language, vocabulary, and discussion are observed to understand the learner’s existing knowledge and skills.
Weeks 3–6
Building Knowledge and Language
Developing important vocabulary, reading knowledge, grammatical understanding, spelling, and written language.
Weeks 7–10
Reading and Writing with Greater Depth
Working with complex texts and developing children’s ability to explain, interpret, discuss, and write about what they have read.
Weeks 11–14
Applying and Extending
Using reading, vocabulary, grammar, and knowledge in increasingly independent speaking and writing.
Week 15–16
Consolidating and Reviewing
Revisiting important learning, strengthening areas that need further attention, and identifying possible next steps.
What does a lesson look like?
Lessons covers reading, writing, language, vocabulary, and discussion. The balance changes according to the learner’s needs.
Welcome and Conversation
Conversation, retrieval of previous learning, vocabulary, and preparation for the lesson.
Reading and Discussion
Reading a literary or informational text, developing fluency and comprehension, and discussing ideas and language.
Teaching
Explicit teaching of an area such as grammar, vocabulary, spelling, reading, or writing.
Guided Practice
Applying new knowledge with support through reading, language, or writing activities.
Independent Work
Writing, reading, responding to a text, or completing work independently.
Review and Reflection
Reviewing what has been learned and identifying what requires further practice.
Following Learning and Development
Learning is followed throughout the programme so that teaching can respond to the child’s development.
Starting Point
Before the programme begins
The programme begins by establishing the learner’s current knowledge and skills in reading, writing, language, vocabulary, and related areas.
Learning and Development
Throughout the 16 weeks
Learning is observed through reading, writing, discussion, language work, and independent tasks.
Progress
As learning develops
The learner’s developing knowledge and skills are reviewed throughout the programme, with particular attention to areas that are becoming secure and those requiring further teaching.
Next Steps
At the end of the 16 weeks
The end-of-programme review identifies learning that should be continued, extended, or revisited.
Questions you may have
How do you determine where my child should begin?
The programme begins with an initial period of observation and assessment to understand the learner’s current knowledge and skills in reading, writing, language, vocabulary, and related areas. This informs the starting point and subsequent teaching.
Can Primary English work alongside my child’s school curriculum?
Yes. The programme can work alongside a child’s existing school education. Teaching may take account of the curriculum, texts, assignments, or areas of learning currently being covered at school where this is useful.
Can schoolwork be included in the lessons?
Yes. Where appropriate, school reading, writing, assignments, or other English work can be incorporated into lessons. This may allow the learner to receive additional teaching or discuss and develop work they are already undertaking at school.
Will my child need books or other materials?
The Studio provides the materials required for lessons, including selected texts and teaching resources. Some independent activities may require basic materials available at home, such as paper, pencils, or other writing materials.
What happens after the 16 weeks?
At the end of the programme, the learner’s development is reviewed, and possible next steps are identified. Depending on the learner’s needs, this may include continuing with Primary English, moving into another Studio programme, or continuing particular areas of learning independently.
Interested in Primary Learning?
If you would like to enquire about the Primary English programme, you can say a little about your child and what you are looking for.