“It is impossible to write any text without being familiar with the language rhythms and patterns that it involves. Indeed it is impossible to write a sentence pattern without being able to say it – and you cannot say it if you haven’t heard it.” Pie Corbett – Talk for Writing across the Curriculum

Intent

In writing, our intention is for all children to be independent writers, for a range of audiences and purposes and across different text types. Pupils are taught to apply their writing skills across all curriculum subjects which have been carefully developed around quality, challenging model texts. These texts and language patterns are internalised, allowing children to become increasingly more independent as they work through the phases of writing: immersion, imitation, innovation and independent application. We have high expectations for all pupils and ensure children are equipped with the editing and self-reflection tools they need to make good to outstanding progress. Our curriculum ensures that pupils acquire a wide range of vocabulary, including subject-specific vocabulary; progressively and ambitiously. Vocabulary is taught systematically, across all subjects in a fun and engaging ways. We intend that all children understand and transfer to long-term memory, a broad and rich vocabulary, that they apply to their reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

We ensure a solid understanding of grammar; and be able to spell words accurately by effectively applying the patterns and rules they learn throughout specific, daily lessons. We intend that children are taught grammatical and spelling rules discretely and then apply them to their writing lessons through a combination of Read Write Inc in key stage 1 and Sounds and Syllables in Key stage 2. This will enable them to gain a solid understanding of grammar and apply it effectively to their writing. We believe that all children should be encouraged to take pride in the presentation of their writing by developing a legible, cursive, handwriting style in preparation for their move to secondary school. Ultimately, we aim for all children to reach their full potential in writing.

 Implementation

At St James’ we have mixed classes with a writing curriculum based on a 2 yearly cycle of writing. Across school, we aim to ensure we teach a consistent method of writing that will build up skills and ensure all children progress from a mark maker through to confident and independent writers. This process is in line with the writing scales research by Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) and representatives from United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA), English and Media Centre (EMC), National Association for Advisors in English (NAAE) and the National Association for the Teaching of English (NATE).