Writing
We use a core text approach over a half term to plan quality written outcomes. This high-quality literature is used to engage and inspire the pupils, and provide rich models of writing for them to imitate in their own independent writing, through style, voice and language structure.
The beginning of a unit of writing is spent on the first stage of the writing process – inspire, immerse and analyse, with the remainder of the unit spent on planning, quality written outcomes, editing then publishing. Up to a week is devoted to producing the final written outcome as the children are not expected to produce a whole written outcome in one lesson, but rather build up to it over time. Children publish their learning regularly.
Please take a look at our whole school Writing Journey for more information about what is covered in English Lessons across the school throughout the year. (Please rotate your device when viewing on mobile).
Grammar and Punctuation
Grammar and punctuation are taught during English sessions through contextualised learning linked to the core-text. Grammar, language and punctuation skills are taught through analysis of the author’s use of effective vocabulary choices, language structures and writing style, and by using the core-text as a model during the writing process. Children are given opportunities to imitate the author’s style, reflect on why the writing is effective, then to practise and develop their own writing style using the skills they have learnt.
Spelling
Alongside phonics, we also teach the children how to spell using Little Wandle until the end of Key Stage 1. Our Key Stage Two children use ‘The Spelling Book’ as a structured spelling programme. We believe that learning to spell is an important tool for your child to use as an essential part of day-to-day life, as well as in their learning. We teach spelling using an investigative and collaborative approach, focusing on spelling patterns, prefixes and suffixes, knowledge of word origin and root words.
Handwriting
Letter formation is taught in Nursery, Foundation and Year 1 alongside the Little Wandle Phonics scheme. Attention is drawn to capitalisation as well as to the correct starting point. During Year 2, the children are introduced to cursive script and initial joins through daily handwriting sessions with the aim of all children developing their own, cursive script by Year 6. All handwriting sessions are planned for, modelled and taught following the: I do, we do, you do sequence and the Nelson Handwriting Scheme and include focus on spelling and correct letter formation where needed.