We are writers...

We are writers...

"Writing to me is simply thinking through my fingers" Isaac Asimov

Our intent at Heartwood is that all pupils should be able to confidently communicate their knowledge, ideas and emotions through their writing. We want pupils to acquire a wide vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar and be able to spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules they learn.

We want them to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.

We believe that all pupils should take pride in the presentation of their writing, in part by developing a neat, joined, handwriting style by the time they move to secondary school.

We believe that all good writers refine and edit their writing over time, so we want children to develop independence in being able to identify their own areas for improvement, editing their work effectively during and after the writing process.

How do we teach writing?

Across the whole school, there are daily English inputs/lessons, which differ according to the age and year group of the children. In EYFS, there is also a focus on gross motor and fine motor skills, along with speaking and listening skills. Over time, the focus shifts to word reading, comprehension and writing.

In Reception, KS1 and KS2 teachers focus on sentence structure and construction.

Spellings (known as ‘red’ words (RWI) in Reception) are taught following the school’s spelling scheme. Spelling sessions from Year 1 upwards are taught at least twice a week. The spellings taught are based on spelling rules from the National Curriculum and the Common Exception Words.

Handwriting is modelled daily and children practise frequently to ensure they have correct letter formation. Teachers follow the school’s Handwriting policy.

English lessons/inputs for the whole school always include explicit modelling from an adult and time given to rehearse. Children are taught to plan, write and edit their own work.

Enrichment

Children meet with authors to promote writing and a love of writing. This academic year our Year 6 met SF Said and we bought them all a copy of his new book 'Tyger'. Author Richard O'Neill recently visited Heartwood for some storytelling, and this World Book Day the author Nigel Lungenmuss-Ward visited the children for the day. Our children have enjoyed the experience of visiting Norwich theatre to see performances including 'Oi Frog' and 'The Gruffalo'.

For the past 3 years, Year 4 have taken part in the 'Imagine a Story' project, through the Southbank centre in London. Our children love seeing their names printed as authors in a published We look forward to this year's book being published.

Making a Difference

By giving our children the tools and enthusiasm to be writers we are enabling them to flourish in life. By becoming independent writers who have a secure grasp of the purpose, grammar needed and audience of their writing they are able to unlock the wider world waiting for them.

We give our children the experiences of becoming published authors, meeting authors and visiting theatres - where writing has come to life, so that they can be immersed in the creative side of writing and love writing for pleasure.

National Curriculum

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/974907/EYFS_framework_-_March_2021.pdf

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-english-programmes-of-study/national-curriculum-in-england-english-programmes-of-study

Spelling

We teach the spelling of 'red' words from Reception and follow the school's spelling scheme from Year 1. The spelling scheme teaches the children both spelling rules (from the National Curriculum) and the common exception words (from the National Curriculum).

Handwriting

At Heartwood, before we teach children to form letters correctly, we ensure that we develop their pre-writing skills: oral communication, developing an interest in reading, immersing in a print rich environment, being able to hold a pencil correctly and building strength in their hands. We follow the Read Write Inc approach to teaching handwriting.

Please see our policy below.