Kings Hill School Primary & Nursery

Writing

Intent

At Kings Hill School and Nursery we intend for all pupils to be confident and competent writers by equipping them with a strong command of the spoken and written language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

In writing we ensure that all pupils:

acquire a wide vocabulary and can make rich connections across the curriculum
use discussion in order to learn; influencing their writing
have an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions and apply this knowledge in their writing
appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage
write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
master fluent, legible handwriting
have the stamina to write at length
know how to plan, edit and improve their writing

Implementation

Transcription (Handwriting)

Early handwriting is taught using the Little Wandle programme. This scheme of work is taught in EYFS, Reception and Year 1 and is an un-joined script. This allows for the correct physical development of the child’s hand before a joined script is introduced. Children are taught to form their letters using Little Wandle rhymes. In these younger years, the children use pencils when writing. Handwriting is taught regularly throughout the week.

At the end of Year 1, children are introduced to joined handwriting in readiness for their transition to Year 2.

In Key Stage 2, children are taught to join their handwriting. We use the Nelson Handwriting Scheme to teach joined script. This is taught regularly in Years 3 and 4; children are expected to be able to write fluently and at speed in the upper years. All children use handwriting pens when writing.

Composition (creativity and structure)

At Kings Hill School & Nursery, we plan English using the National Curriculum 2014 and the EYFS statutory framework. Our medium and long term planning is informed by these documents which map out the English curriculum for each year group.

We use a range of key texts to inform our writing. Books are carefully selected for their literary content, including ambitious vocabulary, diversity and SMSC values (Social, Morale, Spiritual, Cultural). A key text is used for the whole term and children write several pieces for a range of purposes.

Children are exposed to Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary and use Talk Together Learning to discuss and explore the words; they start to generate ideas for their writing tasks. Children are taught how to plan a piece of writing and individuality is encouraged – children choose from a range of planning resources. In KS1, children often plan using pictures or story boards and are guided by the adults.

WAGOLLs (What A Good One Looks Like) are introduced so that children know the expected outcome. These will include key punctuation and grammar skills that the children will be learning.

Teachers ‘think aloud’ when modelling writing on the board and Talk Together Learning is used to create a shared writing model before children commence their writing independently. KS2 children are taught to draft, edit and improve their writing.

At Kings Hill School & Nursery, we enjoy themed writing weeks, events and competitions to inspire our young writers.

In the early years, children practice their writing organically. The role-play area will have opportunities for writing: children can take orders in the café, write prescriptions at the vets or write a shopping list. Talk Together Learning supports and encourages children’s language and vocabulary.

Impact

Our writing curriculum is of a high quality and ensures there is a clear progression. In order to measure the impact, we gather a variety of data to ensure learning has occurred and progress has been made. This information directly informs future planning and learning opportunities, allowing us to be responsive to the needs of our learners. We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

A reflection on standards achieved against the planned outcomes;
Children can understand and apply the fundamental principles of spelling, grammar and punctuation in their writing;
Children can evaluate, improve and redraft their writing;
Children are responsible, competent, confident and creative writers.

Transcription (Handwriting)

Early handwriting is taught using the Little Wandle programme. This scheme of work is taught in EYFS, Reception and Year 1 and is an un-joined script. This allows for the correct physical development of the child’s hand before a joined script is introduced. Children are taught to form their letters using Little Wandle rhymes. In these younger years, the children use pencils when writing. Handwriting is taught regularly throughout the week.

At the end of Year 1, children are introduced to joined handwriting in readiness for their transition to Year 2.

Links To Letter Formation

Pronunciation Guide
Autumn 1

Pronunciation Guide
Autumn 2

Capital Letter
Formation

Parental Support

How to Help at Home

There are lots of ways you can help your child with handwriting
Here are our top ideas:

Create a book
Give your child the chance to make their very own book! Fold a few sheets of paper in half and staple down the length of the fold. Suggest that they fill it with their own story and pictures. It could be based on one of their favourite stories.

Alternatively, they could make a non-fiction book about something they are interested in, using photos if they don’t like drawing. If this seems daunting, suggest they make a scrap book and write labels and notes next to the things they collect.

Get crafty!
Continue to encourage your child to draw, colour, paint, and do crafting activities at home using a range of different materials. These activities all provide opportunities to develop control, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination.

Check handwriting style
Be sure to find out what handwriting style your child is learning at school. Consistency is key, so it is important not to correct something that you think is an error but that is actually part of the style your child is learning.

Make time to write
Encourage your child to keep a diary, writing a sentence or two for every day. They might feel more enthusiastic about this idea if you let them decorate and personalise a plain notebook to make it their own.