For everyone, everywhere, literacy is, along with education in general, a basic human right…Literacy is the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realise his or her full potential. –Kofi Annan
Intent
Here at St. Josephs, we recognise writing can do a great many things: inspire; entertain; inform; explain; instruct; persuade; and many more. It is our aim that all children can write both creatively for enjoyment and academically for meeting a specific purpose. We have a rich diet of engaging and exciting texts and experiences that stimulate high-quality writing. Children’s love of reading and writing is at the heart of our curriculum.
We aim to ensure all children are equipped with the relevant skills they need to communicate their ideas with the world effectively. Throughout our English lessons, we encourage children to develop a love of writing through authentic and engaging writing projects which have a clear purpose.
Implementation
Writing activities are embedded across the curriculum allowing pupils many opportunities to practice and apply the skills and knowledge acquired in their daily English writing lessons. Spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPAG) skills are embedded throughout English lessons. As the children move through the school, new aspects of grammar and punctuation are introduced, and previously taught aspects are revisited and developed.
Spellings build on the foundations of Read Write INK and lessons continue to unpick, explore and spot patterns in the complex spelling of the English language. Rules and patterns are taught during spelling lessons and revisited throughout the curriculum. Weekly homework provides further opportunities to learn these rules. Writing is taught daily from Year 1 to Year 6, and lessons are delivered using a variety of methods, including shared writing (modeled writing with contributions from the children), guided writing (writing in small groups with support), and skills lessons (focus on spelling, grammar and punctuation). Each week, children are given an extended period for independent writing called ‘Yellow Write’.
Impact
At St. Joseph’s children will have received many exciting opportunities to extend their skills and understanding in English such as author visits, participating in theatre workshops and entering a wide range of writing competitions. Throughout the year teachers meet in their year group teams and with other schools across the federation to discuss and moderate the children’s writing. This ensures consistency and provides a forum for discussion and support.