Writing
What are our aims?
At Oldway Primary School, our aim is to ensure that all of our children are successful writers, who enjoy writing and can write confidently and effectively for a range of purposes and audiences. Our aim is for our children to develop a secure understanding of the writing process, and of grammar and punctuation, whilst developing fluency in spelling and handwriting. Our intention is to develop children’s love of language, and awareness of language choices and their effects, and to help them to apply this to their writing.
The Book Writes Approach
At Oldway Primary School, our primary approach to teaching writing is through the use of BookWrites Teaching Sequences. Teachers plan and deliver teaching and learning activities that address all stages of the writing process. Each teaching sequence is based on carefully selected and inspirational 'texts that teach' and follows a three-part structure: ‘learning the text’ (where pupils read and comprehend the text as well as develop vocabulary and grammar skills); ‘practising writing’ (where pupils apply vocabulary and grammar in both shared and independent writing linked adaptations from the original text); ‘independent writing’ (where pupils plan and create an independent version of the text). Each sequence has a medium-term plan and a range of learning activities, including contextualised grammar teaching and learning which have been selected and designed to build on children’s previous knowledge which has been demonstrated through an elicitation task.
Learning outcomes are explicitly shared with the pupils so they understand each stage is important as well as areas for individual focus. During each stage of the writing process, teachers explicitly talk about the writing process and model it in their writing with pupils through talking as a writer and sharing thoughts, ideas and choices in composition. Children are exposed to a range of genres and text types across the year so they are able to write for a range of purposes and audiences. Furthermore, previously taught literary techniques are revisited continuously and embedded.
Editing and Improving
We understand the importance of editing and improving in the writing process. We aim to develop pupils’ independence in being able to identify their own errors and areas for improvement, in all pieces of writing. We use ‘feedback footsteps’ to support pupils in editing and improving their work effectively, both during and after the writing process: independently, with a peer or under the guidance of an adult.
Spelling
In their early years, the children learn to spell through their phonics lessons (through the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme). Once they have completed the RWI Phonics programme, they will have dedicated spelling lessons each week where they are taught the statutory spellings for each year group as well as the spelling rules and patterns as set out in the National Curriculum.
Children in Years 1 - 6 have a login for Spelling Shed. On the Spelling Shed site, children access spelling games at home to consolidate their in-class learning. Supporting your child to access these spelling games at home will be incredibly beneficial and this forms part of our expectations of home learning.
Statutory Spelling Lists from the National Curriculum
Handwriting
The school follows the Nelson handwriting scheme and pupils have dedicated taught and practice sessions each week. Through regular practice sessions, we aim to practise handwriting to fluency to free up children to focus on the compositional aspects of writing. In the early years, there is a focus on developing correct posture and grip for handwriting.
Our ‘Funky Fingers’ activities support the development of the fine motor skills needed to aid accurate letter formation. Handwriting lessons teach the movements of handwriting. Throughout their time at Oldway, we encourage pupils to take pride in the presentation of their written work and to develop a good, joined, handwriting style by the time they move to secondary school.