By the time our children leave Newlaithes, we want them to be confident and enthusiastic writers. 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. 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 all pieces of writing, editing their work effectively during and after the writing process.

All children write daily, in an English session and across the curriculum. Teachers plan writing based on the EYFS framework and “The Write Stuff” Sentence Stacking Approach by Jane Considine. Plans are linked to high-quality texts. The Writing Rainbow, organised into the “Fantastics”, “Boomtastics” and “Grammaristics” provides a system for children to follow through school, supporting them to understand how grammar relates to language. Children’s writing is linked closely to the grammatical choices made by real authors, providing inspiration and allowing children to explore the link between reading and writing.
Handwriting
The Penpals for Handwriting Scheme offers clear progression through 5 developmental stages:
• Physical preparation for handwriting
• Securing correct letter formation
• Beginning to join
• Securing joins and practicing speed
• Developing a personal style.

Weekly handwriting sessions are timetabled to ensure consistency in its implementation with one 30 minute taught session complimented by further short practice sessions over the week.

Spelling

We follow the National Curriculum statutory requirements for spelling from Y1 to Y6. We use the No Nonsense spelling materials to deliver the statutory requirements. Years 2 to 6 have a relevant teachers’ guide, which is also saved to the shared area.

Spelling is also reinforced through daily English lessons.

Impact All children enjoy writing across a range of genres, make links and apply their skills in cross-curricular topics. Children of all abilities will be able to succeed in all English lessons because work will be appropriately scaffolded. They will have developed a wide vocabulary that they are able to use within their writing and will have a good knowledge of how to adapt their writing based on the context and audience. Children will leave school being able to effectively apply the spelling rules and patterns they have been taught.