We aim to develop children’s ability to produce well-structured, detailed writing in which the meaning is made. To engross children in the writing process, children are given opportunities to write for a range of purposes; they are encouraged to think about and engage the intended reader. Particular attention is paid throughout the school to the formal structures of English; grammatical detail, punctuation and spelling.
Writing opportunities are sourced and developed based on the needs of each cohort. Our curriculum allows children to have the opportunity to explore rich, high-quality texts in depth, enhancing reading comprehension and providing meaningful contexts and purposes for writing. Class texts are the main driver for the teaching of writing. Through these children are taught the skills of spelling, handwriting, composition, and vocabulary, grammar and punctuation in line with national end of year expectations. As with all subjects, able children are extended further and those requiring support receive additional teaching and intervention.
Teaching Writing Using Read Write Inc. at Blackhall Primary School
In Reception and Year 1 our pupils learn to read and write effectively and quickly using the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme. They progress into English lessons within their year group and follow the Read Write Inc. Spelling programme once they can read with accuracy and speed.
More information on this can be found below.
Teaching Writing Using Read Write Inc
Writing beyond Year 1
As stated in the National Curriculum 2014; the writing process, which the children will be taught is;
- plan
- draft
- evaluate/ edit
- proof-read
- present
A writing unit usually lasts 2 weeks. Within this time, children are taught the formal structures of English appropriate to their current ability. This may include covering the curriculum from previous year groups. This ensures children’s skills are embedded before moving on.
If a child is confident within their year groups’ curriculum, they will not move onto the next year but will master their current year group. This includes lots of opportunities to write from different perspectives and in older classes the opportunity to decide purpose and audience.
Throughout a unit children have opportunities to take part in ‘mini-writes’. This is an opportunity for children to apply new learning. In all year groups children end a unit completing the full writing process.
Progression of Skills by Genre
Spelling
For spelling, we follow the National Curriculum, teaching the progression of spelling rules across the whole school, along with Read Write Inc phonics at KS1 level. For the full list of spelling objectives, please click here.
Handwriting
On entry, our Foundation Stage children are involved in varied activities to develop essential prewriting skills in line with the Early Learning Goals; there is much focus on developing gross and fine motor skills and strengthening muscles in the arms and fingers. We use a range of activities to increase muscle strength. Children are also introduced to the individual letters and rigorously taught correct formation, from the very beginning of their time in school. From the time that children are ready, they are taught to sit with a good posture and are taught to hold a pencil with the correct grip.
At Blackhall Primary School, we teach handwriting at least twice a week from Year 1 to Year 6. Class teachers follow the Penpals scheme. As children progress through school, there is an increasing focus on fluency, consistency and speed. In years 1 – 5 every child starts with a pencil each September until they can demonstrate good handwriting skills. Pen licenses are only issued when the Headteacher has seen consistently good handwriting in line with year group expectations. All children in years 6 work in pen.
