Useful Links

Useful Links

Ravenstone Primary School

Writing

Overview/vision of subjects aims

Our Writing Handbook, which is provided to all staff, can be found HERE.

At Ravenstone we believe that every child has the ability to enjoy English and the language/skills that go with it. Our approach to writing ensures progression of skills across the school. We provide meaningful experiences using the contexts inspired by quality texts and inspire children to write through exciting shared experiences.  We model high standards of writing and spoken English.  Our approach to spelling starts with consistency from the Early Years. Teachers base spelling lessons around Letters and Sounds (EYFS and KS1) and No Nonsense (KS2) and teach spelling rules through games, investigation and hands on strategies. This creative approach allows for children to become familiar with patterns, rules and spellings while able to enjoy the process. This should always be linked to creative writing.  Spelling patterns are constantly reinforced through high quality texts and reading opportunities. We believe that the reader makes the writer.

Curriculum layout/design

Writing schemes, drawn from a selection of products, such as ‘The Power of Reading’, are used to provide a structured approach as well as challenge and enthuse children. Teachers choose books which will engage the children as well as have a rich vocabulary on which to draw from and provide high spelling and grammar.  All children are taught using fiction, non-fiction, poetry and plays.  Most lessons begin with a grammar focus which links to the main part of the lesson.  Teachers model writing, carry out shared writes and then the children apply their skills independently.  Drama and practical strategies are used within lessons to improve speaking and listening and build confidence and self-esteem. Children are encouraged to share and read their work to the class.  Teachers use Writing Indicators and Age Related Expectations which help them to plan and assess lessons and to ensure there is no overlap between year groups.  Texts are mapped out by year group to ensure the children have access to a variety of books and a progression of skills. 

Texts Used by Year group and Writing opportunities

To develop as effective writers, pupils should be taught to:

  • Extend and develop as writers throughout their time in school, drawing on new vocabulary and grammar in their writing.
  • Develop the skill of generating ideas and words.
  • Read a variety of texts for purpose and pleasure, accurately, fluently and with understanding.
  • Talk about their ideas and writing before committing to paper as well as hearing.
  • Understand the variety of written language, and the differences between fiction and non-fiction.
  • Improve their abilities to read, analyse and evaluate a wide range of texts, including literature from other cultures and traditions.
  • Plan, practice, make mistakes, edit and improve their writing.

The word-lists for Years 3 and 4 and Years 5 and 6 are statutory.

The lists are a mixture of words pupils frequently use in their writing and those which they often misspell.

Some of the listed words may be thought of as quite challenging, but the 100 words in each list are taught within the four years of Key Stage 2 alongside other words that teachers consider appropriate.

Please click here to see:

HANDWRITING

Our children start writing using the broken cursive script and are then introduced to joined up writing in Year 2.   Our Handwriting Policy can be found HERE.

We ask parents to model the same script at home which you can find on the link below:

How to form each letter