Writing

Miss Fairhurst

Intent

At The Gates, English is at the heart of what we do and engrained into the school curriculum. We aim to deliver a high-quality English education enabling foundations for every child to become literate, preparing them with the skills for adult life. We are passionate about developing confident, articulate writers who can express themselves clearly for a range of audiences and purposes. Our writing curriculum is carefully designed to equip pupils with the necessary skills in transcription and composition, helping them to become independent, creative and proficient writers who can build on key transferrable writing skills in each phase of their education.

We aim to:

- To ensure that pupils acquire a wide vocabulary and understanding a wide range of vocabulary, punctuation and grammatical structures.

- To teach pupils to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.

- To ensure children can write at length within a given genre.

- To promote transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (ideas and structure) in line with the National Curriculum.

Curriculum Overview

Writing Policy

Handwriting Policy

Implementation

We aim to instil a love of reading into all of our children. We use high quality texts as part of our reading curriculum and offer children the opportunity to read a wide range of authors whilst taking part in the 100 Book Challenge. Dedicated ‘reading for pleasure’ time each day provides children with the opportunity to delve into books which whisk them into other worlds and give them the opportunity to explore new adventures and journeys. Class novels with a link to Science, History or Geography are used to correspond with the children’s learning and embed a rich vocabulary into their everyday lives. We celebrate different authors and writing styles by regularly reviewing books, researching authors and illustrators and taking part in national book days. Reading is so important in helping our children to develop culturally, socially and emotionally as well as being able to acquire knowledge and build on what they already know. We encourage children to read widely in order to develop their imagination and begin to write as a reader.

We want children to be able to speak and write fluently. It is important for us that our children can communicate with others confidently and respectfully. We incorporate drama and speaking and listening activities into our writing units and children have multiple opportunities to perform their writing at the end of tasks. This provides children the ability to see their own writing come to life. Most of our writing links to other curriculum subjects which provides children with the opportunity to write from the perspective of people from different lands, different times and different mind-sets. This allows children to develop empathy, understanding, tolerance and see the world from a different viewpoint. Along with discreet spelling and grammar lessons, composition of writing is taught through looking at good examples, modelled and shared writing and using knowledge from other lessons and class novels to enhance their ideas.

Impact

Our English curriculum is carefully designed with clear goals and a structured approach, ensuring all children develop a broad range of knowledge and skills.

Through this rich curriculum, children are equipped to become lifelong learners who appreciate and enjoy literature in all its forms. By mastering speaking, reading, and writing, pupils gain the essential tools to participate confidently and effectively in society, setting them up for future success.

The impact of our curriculum is evident as children progress from EYFS to Year 6, demonstrating consistent growth, sustained learning, and the development of transferable skills. We measure attainment through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 national assessments in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as teacher assessments in writing. As children continue their education, we hope they carry forward their passion for English and high aspirations.

Writing

Intent

Implementation

Impact

Parent Information