In our Year 3 classrooms, our core texts include a mix of traditional tales and fantasy stories to develop reading comprehension and imagination. These texts provide opportunities for pupils to explore different narrative forms, discuss characters’ actions and motivations, and respond to rich language and illustrations.

Anthony Browne offers rich visual storytelling. His retelling of the traditional tale Hansel and Gretel introduces pupils to classic narrative structures, including setting, character development, problems and resolutions, alongside important moral lessons.

The Iron Man by Ted Hughes is a children’s classic, noted for its vivid imagery, myth-like structure and themes of fear, understanding and peace. Through this text, pupils can consider how characters and communities respond to the unknown and how relationships may change through empathy and cooperation.

The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd supports pupils in exploring a fantasy narrative connected to their interests in dragons, magic, science, plants, pets, animals and fantasy. The text also provides opportunities to discuss responsibility, family, friendship, secrets and lies, and choices and dilemmas.

Across these texts, pupils develop key literacy skills, including inference, vocabulary building and understanding story structure. They are encouraged to justify their ideas using evidence from the text, make predictions, explore authorial choices and engage critically with both traditional and imaginative stories.

In Year 5, our focus on core texts cultivates an appreciation of literature while enhancing essential comprehension skills. This academic year, students will engage with "The Nowhere Emporium" by Ross Mackenzie, an enchanting narrative that seamlessly intertwines elements of fantasy with a sophisticated narrative structure. This text not only captivates young minds but also encourages imaginative thinking.

Additionally, we will delve into "Street Child" by Berlie Doherty, which offers a poignant exploration of the historical challenges encountered during the Victorian era. This compelling story provides an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on the socio-economic issues of the time, fostering a deeper understanding of history through literature.

Furthermore, the works of Thomas Taylor, particularly his book "Malamander," will prominently feature in our curriculum. This tale resonates with themes of bravery and resilience, instilling valuable lessons that young readers can relate to personally.

Each text has been meticulously selected to stimulate meaningful discussions, nurture critical thinking skills, and inspire a lifelong love of reading among our pupils. Our objective is to provide a rich literary experience that not only aligns with the National Curriculum requirements but also enriches students’ educational journey