English Writing
Intent
Writing is a crucial part of our curriculum at Rushton CE First School. By the end of Year Four we intend our children to have developed a love of writing and to be able to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and creatively through the written word. We also intend to create writers who can re-read, edit and improve their own writing, and enable pupils to be able to confidently use the essential skills of grammar, punctuation and spelling. We set high expectations for all our children to take pride in their work and have a fluent, cursive handwriting style alongside allowing their imaginations to flourish.
Implementation
In order to help us to develop confident, enthusiastic writers who can express themselves in a variety of different styles and across a variety of contexts, our teaching of writing is often cross circular and linked to our class topics. In years One to Four, Literacy lessons are centered around a text that the children find exciting and is of a high quality, children are provided with regular opportunities to write for a range of purposes and audiences. Writing tasks are specific and meaningful, and often meet a purpose to engage children and to illustrate how their writing skills can be applied to real life contexts. Planning and teaching are strongly linked to grammar and punctuation. Short ‘grammar journeys’ are planned and taught to enable the children to master specific grammatical concepts. Incidental writes and longer pieces of writing then provide opportunities for children to apply and demonstrate their understanding. Assessment for learning then informs future planning.
Children in the EYFS develop and improve their writing skills through adult and child-initiated activities across all areas of learning, indoors and out. They develop their phonic knowledge, language skills and fine and gross motor skills to support their writing, building upon prior learning.
Children in years One to Four learn spellings at home each week and these are tested in school. Additionally, spelling is taught daily in Key Stage 1. Once children are secure at phase 5 for phonics in Year 2, they move onto the Headstart Primary Spelling programme. Children continue to follow this programme until the end of Year 4. It is a comprehensive and accessible programme which enables spelling to be taught progressively. It teaches the strategies, knowledge and skills children need to learn. The focus of the programme is to provide knowledge of spelling patterns and rules. This is supported through online programmes such as Spelling Frame.
Children who need additional support with spelling receive a variety of interventions that are tailored to address their gaps. Dyslexia Gold is used to support children who show dyslexic tendencies.
Impact
Pupils will make good progress from their own personal starting points. By the end of Year Four they will be able to write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. Our pupils will acquire a wide vocabulary and have a strong command of the written word. Most importantly, they will develop a love of writing and be well equipped for the rest of their education.