English
In English at St. Joseph’s, we aim to ensure that children develop skills in writing to enable them to express themselves creatively and imaginatively, and to communicate with others effectively through their written work. Through our teaching we strive to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the written word.
Over the course of their time at St. Joseph’s, children will be supported to develop the ability to acquire a wide vocabulary and secure understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for writing. Children will be encouraged to write neatly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
Writing Curriculum
Intent
At St Joseph’s, we believe that ability to write is fundamental to our children succeeding; enabling them to access the next stage of their education and beyond. Our curriculum has been designed to ensure that pupils enjoy writing and have passion and enthusiasm for it. Our aim is to ensure that pupils write clearly, accurately and coherently; write in different styles and for different purposes and audiences; develop a wide vocabulary and a solid understanding of the grammar rules and terminology appropriate for their age group. Our curriculum has also been designed to ensure that pupils are able to express themselves creatively and to communicate effectively with others.
Implementation
Writing is an important part of our curriculum and is an integral part of all of our lessons. At St Joseph’s, we teach writing through:
Ensuring writing is purposeful: Each writing unit is planned in accordance with the national curriculum objectives, whilst considering the purpose of writing.
The Write Stuff: Years One and above are using a new approach to writing called “The Write Stuff” by Jane Considine. This approach, allows children to apply basic skills, vocabulary and grammar knowledge to writing ‘impact’ sentences. It brings clarity to the mechanics of teaching writing. It is introduced though the ‘Writing Rainbow’, using the three zones of writing (ideas of writing, grammar and the techniques of writing), through sentence stacking and understanding how to deepen the moment.
The teaching sequence involves three different chunks; initiate, model and enable. By following these three chunks the pupils are able to produce high quality writing from discussions with pupils and the teacher. The teacher’s live modelling enables the pupils to structure their writing effectively.
Handwriting: As part of the RWI phonics programme, correct letter formation is taught from Nursery using the RWI rhymes. Children that are ready in Reception, will start to use the lead ins (up we go) and the lead outs (off we go) using the same RWI rhymes. At the beginning of year 1 they will continue with the lead ins and lead outs but will begin the Cripps handwriting scheme later in the school year. Years Two to Six will use the Cripps scheme for all their handwriting sessions.
Impact
Pupils will make good progress from their own personal starting points. By the end of Year Six they will be able to write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences. Our pupils will acquire a wide vocabulary and have a strong command of the written word. Most importantly, they will develop a love of writing and be well equipped for the rest of their education.
1. Improvements in the quality of sentence structure.
2. Pupils understand how to apply sentence scaffolds to their independent writing.
3. Standards improve because many worked examples are provided over the year that deliver on listed aspects.
4. Children have a clear view of what high quality writing looks like.
5. Pupils know how to improve their writing and make it more focussed.
6 Children have a concept of how to complete a piece of writing due to narrative maps and non-fiction
shapes.
Writing:
How can I support my child in their writing?
You can talk to your child about their current class text and ask them questions to develop their level of understanding, comprehension and to build vocabulary. You can also ensure you give time daily to support them with their spellings. Your teacher should provide you with a list of words that your child is expected to be able to spell for their year group. This builds on spellings learnt in previous year groups. Regular practise both at home and in school will support your child greatly.
If you have any questions, please come and speak with us at school.
How can I support my child with their handwriting?
You can have high expectations of the written work they produce at home. You can also complete any extra support provided by the teacher together with your child. Model first how to form the letters and support and encourage your child to have a go, talking through it with them as you go along. Take note of where the letter should start, how it sits on the line and where the letter finishes. In Key Stage 2 your child will be learning the cursive formation.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to come and speak with us at school.
Below you will find a whole school overview for this subject area.