English - Writing

Intent (before the teaching)

At Wendell Park, we believe that all pupils should be able to communicate their knowledge, ideas and emotions through their writing. We want our pupils to acquire an expansive vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar and be able to spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules they learn throughout their time in primary school. We want them to write coherently and creatively, adapting their language and style for a range of meaningful contexts, purposes and audiences.

Handwriting, spelling and grammar will be explicitly taught to ensure that children are able to understand the conventions of writing and manipulate language to create effects for the reader.

We believe that all pupils should be encouraged to take pride in the presentation of their writing. Children will write for a variety of genres in English lessons as well as across the wider curriculum. Children will acquire and learn the skills to plan, draft and refine their written work over time and are encouraged to develop independence in being able to identify their own areas for improvement in all pieces of writing.

Implementation (subject in action)

During English lessons, the use of quality texts is used to teach the core skills in-line with the expectations of the National Curriculum. As a school, we use a range of approaches/opportunities to do this. These include:

• Shared writing
• Whole class modelled writing
• Independent writing
• Writing different text types and narrative styles
• Writing across a variety of curriculum areas
• Handwriting sessions
• Planning, drafting, editing, up-levelling and publishing
• Unpicking and discussing WAGOLLs (What A Good One Looks Like)
• Role on the wall
• Drama approaches (e.g. conscience alley, debating, hot seating, freeze framing)

Handwriting

It is paramount that children are taught correct letter formation from the very beginning of their time in school. In EYFS, children are taught to have the correct posture for writing, hold a pencil in the correct position and develop a legible handwriting style. From KS1, the school adopts a cursive handwriting style. Teachers are expected to model the school’s handwriting style when marking work or writing on the board.

Spellings

Through exploring spelling patterns and rules, we aim to create confident and proficient spellers using a discrete teaching approach underpinned by our Read Write Inc. phonics programme. As pupils move up the school, they use EdShed to support their understanding of spelling rules. 

Children are also taught to

• Spell accurately and identify reasons for mis-spellings.
• Proof-read their spellings
• Recognise and use word origins, families and roots to build their skills
• In KS2, use dictionaries and thesauruses. 

Grammar, Punctuation and Vocabulary 

Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary skills are taught explicitly during writing lessons and the children identify how authors have used them effectively during their reading lessons. Grammar and punctuation is planned and taught (using our grammar overviews to guide planning) and children are expected to apply their knowledge in their writing. 

Impact (after the teaching)

Teachers use assessment as an integral part of the teaching and learning process and link it clearly to the children’s next steps. Teachers record and track each child’s progress and use this to set future targets. They use a variety of formative assessment methods and constructive marking strategies. In addition to this, children also complete:

• 4-6 pieces of published writing in Final Edit books per term
• Weekly Spelling Test
• Assessment piece of writing (End of each half term)

Our children have the knowledge and skills to be able to write successfully for a purpose and audience. With the implementation of the writing sequence being taught in both key stages, children are becoming more confident writers and have the ability to plan, draft and edit their own work. By the time they reach Upper Key Stage 2, most genres of writing are familiar to our children and the teaching can focus on creativity, writer’s craft, sustained writing and manipulation of grammar and punctuation skills.

Progression of Skills and Knowledge 

Our Writing subject progression of skills and knowledge document gives further information about what the children are taught in this subject by year group.

Progression of skills and knowledge document 

Writing Long Term Plan  

Our writing long term overview details what texts children are writing by year group. 

Long Term Plan for Writing

English National Curriculum 

If you would like to know more, please visit National Curriculum for English.