Implementation
To ensure high standards of teaching and learning in Writing, our curriculum is progressive throughout the whole school.
Key Concepts: Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation, Language techniques, Structure and layout, Writing stages and sequencing and Spoken Language.
Domains of Knowledge: Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry.
EYFS: We believe that communication and language, with opportunities to explore reading and writing underpins children’s future learning. In EYFS, children are given a wealth of opportunities to develop early language and literacy skills, using daily phonics and writing sessions. Pupils’ interests in literacy are stimulated by play, story, songs and rhymes, and lots of opportunities are provided to talk about experiences and feelings. All children develop gross and fine motor skills through play and handwriting activities.
KS1: In KS1, pupils are prepared for the writing process through speaking and listening activities such as role-play, pair talk, drama and hot seating. Children continue to be taught phonics through Read Write Inc. and grammatical awareness is developed and led by quality texts. In KS1, pupils write personal responses to subjects and use their knowledge, opinions and own imaginings in their writing: they learn that being a writer gives them the ability to represent their ideas creatively. Working walls and washing lines are used to support pupils with their writing, and teachers will think out loud, edit and demonstrate how and why writing is structured. We aim for children to be proud of their work and children are taught how to form letters in a cursive style.
KS2: In KS2, pupils are exposed to a range of text types and genres to scaffold writing and promote sustained composition. The units of work centre on engaging, vocabulary-rich texts, and this allows for great cross-curricular knowledge. The use of example texts, vocabulary and contextualised grammar, spelling and punctuation enable children to develop their own writing process. This gives them confidence and knowledge of themselves as writers. Our writing projects are purposeful because they involve a future audience and this motivates pupils to make their writing the best it can be. As children become increasingly knowledgeable writers, they are able to give peers high-quality feedback through pupil conferencing and responsive editing lessons. Although punctuation, spelling and grammar is part of every unit of work, it is also taught outside of writing lessons.
Enrichment: The school’s Writing curriculum is enriched through our sustained partnerships with Kessingland Library and local authors. Visiting authors, World Book Day events and thematic days support a love of writing across the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to have personal project books and work on their own compositions at home. Many of our children’s writing has been published through entering competitions such as Young Writers. Parents and carers are invited to listen to their child’s writing through Parent Cafes and celebration events such as Wonder Writers.
