Writing
INTENT
At MJS our writing curriculum develops a love of writing and children are able to express their thoughts and ideas clearly and creatively through the written word. We intend to create writers who can re-read, edit and improve their own writing, and we enable children to confidently use the essential skills of grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling. We set high expectations for all our children to take pride in their work and have a fluent, cursive handwriting style alongside allowing their imaginations to flourish. We believe that all good writers refine and edit their writing over time, so our children learn how 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.
IMPLEMENTATION
We provide children with a stimulating classroom environment where writing has a purpose and is valued. We provide opportunities for drama and speaking and listening to draw on pupils’ interests and experiences to inspire them. Children will write across the curriculum and so develop a variety of styles. They learn how to express themselves in different contexts. This provides our children with regular opportunities to write for a range of purposes and audiences. Writing tasks are specific and meaningful, and engage children in applying their skills to real life contexts.
Our bespoke English curriculum model includes weekly writing tasks and activities related to the year group inspirational texts. There are two half termly extended pieces of writing.
Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar and Punctuation
Spelling is taught weekly using the statutory word lists as well as a mixture of words pupils frequently use in their writing and those they often misspell. Children learn spellings at home each week and they are quizzed in school. Children who need additional support with spelling receive interventions that are tailored to address their gaps.
Teachers develop vocabulary, building systematically on pupils’ current knowledge and show pupils how to understand the relationship between words. Pupils are taught the vocabulary they need to discuss their reading, writing and spoken language.
The Collins scheme is used to teach spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation which is matched directly to the National Curriculum. Spelling rules are explained clearly and simply, followed by a set of carefully tailored questions ensuring pupils will master all appropriate language skills.
Handwriting
We follow the Nelson handwriting scheme to enable our children to form their letters in the conventional way and write in a joined script which is neat, fluent and legible.
Nelson provides a clear, practical framework for implementing and developing a whole-school handwriting policy full of enjoyable activities. It offers full coverage of the technical aspects of writing (including letter formation, basic joins, printing, speedwriting and slant) and these are taught in purposeful and curriculum-relevant contexts, principally in the areas of phonics, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
The following links will help you support your child with their handwriting at home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SpnV0pZ-gM&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq_5-qaT4xA
IMPACT
Pupils make very good progress from their own personal starting points. By the end of Year Six they are able to write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.
Our pupils acquire a wide vocabulary and have a strong command of the written word.
Pupils develop stamina and skills to write at length, with accurate spelling and punctuation. They develop a love of writing and are well equipped for the rest of their education.
Based on 2019 data, 90% of pupils left KS2 at the expected level in writing and 34% were at greater depth.
Based on 2019 data, 93% of pupils left KS2 at the expected level in GPS and 65% were at greater depth.