Our Writing Curriculum
Writing is an essential part of our curriculum offer and of high importance at High Hurstwood CE Primary School. In EYFS, children learn how to hold a pencil correctly and begin to form letters, words and sentences. From Reception, children are introduced to a joined cursive style of handwriting as soon as the child is able to correctly form letters, with the expectation that during Key Stage 1 most will be able to write neatly and fluently. As children journey into Key Stage 2, we encourage children to transition from pencil to pen.
Writing skills are developed through a high-quality, text-based approach that links to termly curriculum themes. Pupils develop an understanding of purpose and form, and the ability to evaluate the notion of appropriateness. Through ‘hooking’ the children in at the start of a unit, and exploring the text in order to build an understanding of the writer’s craft, pupils develop a deep understanding of the components of writing – planning, drafting, sharing, evaluating, revising, editing and then publishing. The writing curriculum plans for diverse stimuli for writing, which in turn encourages high levels of engagement. Our teaching gives pupils the time to explore a text and develop new writing skills, before applying these skills to an extended writing task. We encourage children to develop increasing levels of independence, as they develop a deeper understanding of writerly choices. Texts are carefully chosen to deepen children’s knowledge of the wider curriculum, while ensuring they are immersed in our rich and varied literary heritage.
The teaching of spelling, grammar and punctuation is interwoven into daily English sessions, so that children can develop an understanding of these key skills in context – and feel confident in applying them to their own writing. The children learn the ‘skills’ needed for the different genres and teachers engage the children through topic links, film, drama, writer’s craft strategies and exciting ‘Curriculum Theme’ days.
Speaking and Listening
We support our children in developing the skills necessary to read, write and speak fluently, in order to communicate their ideas and emotions. Through our exciting and engaging curriculum, we actively encourage our children to communicate their thoughts, share ideas and explore opinions. Children are given the opportunity to reflect on both their learning and their feelings.
Please find our school's Writing Curriculum Map and Writing implementation (subject vision) document at the bottom of this page.