Writing

Intent

At Barnham CEVC Primary, we believe that all pupils should be able to confidently communicate their knowledge, ideas and emotions through their writing.  

We want pupils to acquire a wide 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 clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.

We believe that all pupils should be encouraged to take pride in the presentation of their writing, in part by developing a good, joined, handwriting style by the time they move to secondary school.

We believe that all good writers refine and edit their writing over time, so we want children to develop independence in being able to identify their own areas for improvement in their writing, editing their work effectively during and after the writing process.

We do not put ceilings on what pupils can achieve in writing and we do not hold pre-conceptions about any pupils’ ability to make progress.

Implementation

Our curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children, regardless of background, ability and additional needs, to flourish to become the very best version of themselves they can possibly be.

Early writing is taught through early mark making, then when the children begin Little Wandle: Letters and Sounds phonics they are taught the letter formations.  This begins with writing (whether with a writing tool or in the air) CVC words, moving onto short sentences using the phonemes they have been taught: this process continues into Year 1.  Little Wandle: Letters and Sounds also includes elements of spelling and has a specific writing focus linked to taught phonemes.

We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression.  This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

We aim to develop children’s ability to produce well-structured, detailed writing in which the meaning is made clear, engaging the interest of the audience / reader. Particular attention is paid throughout the school to the formal structures of English: grammatical detail, punctuation and spelling.  Children have opportunities to write at length throughout a unit of work, applying their taught skills to an unsupported piece of writing.

Pupils are taught punctuation and grammar skills, appropriate to their year group, within our writing lessons, allowing opportunities to identify, practise and consolidate grammatical understanding, whilst also being immersed in their writing.

Writing overview

Pompeii Diary Entries

Fox Class have been working really hard on writing their very own diary entries, with a twist.  The children had to put themselves in the shoes of a citizen of Pompeii in 79AD when Mount Versuvius erupted.  The children showed great empathy for the people of the city and this is reflected in their diary entries.  We are all so proud of their hard work.  Well done, Foxes!