Writing

Writing Curriculum Aims

At Levendale, our aim is to create pupils who develop a genuine pleasure for writing. We encourage our learners to become confident, independent writers who are secure in the knowledge of their audience and purpose.

By the time our students leave us, they should use their confidence and independence to make their own choices in their writing and to use their writing skills to respond to any given task.

We recognise that some learners will favour certain types of writing over others, so we ensure that all learners are given the opportunity throughout the year to show their true potential by giving them a range of writing activities.

Children will be encouraged to write for a range of purposes:

• To entertain
• To inform
• To persuade
• To discuss

At the end of every term from Y1 onward, we ensure learners are given the chance to complete an independent learning task where they are able to control an element of the writing outcome and make their own decisions.

In Early Years, opportunities for independent choices in their writing are threaded throughout and we use ‘Drawing Club’ to develop their writing skills.

From EYFS to the end of Y6, we ensure all children can access age-appropriate writing opportunities and we ensure progression is made throughout the genres taught and throughout year groups.

In EYFS, learners are engaged to write and are enthused to write.

At KS1, we write to entertain and inform.

At Lower KS2 (in Years 3 & 4), we also begin to explore the language of persuasion.

At Upper KS2 (in Years 5 & 6), we explore the full range of purposes for writing, including how to develop the language of discussion.

Children also have more opportunities to show how their own independent choices impact the audience in the writing they produce.

Written composition

Children’s writing generally develops at a slower pace than their reading.

Before they can write independently in a way that can be read by others, they need to know:

• what they want to say
• how to identify sounds in words
• at least one way to spell each of the sounds of English
• how to form letters.

At Levendale, we teach children these early skills through the use of a systematic, synthetic phonics programme. The programme we use is Little Wandle Letters & Sounds Revised (please see Reading Curriculum Plan for further information).

Once children can read and spell words using Phase 5 GPCs with fluency and accuracy and associated tricky words, we begin to teach further spelling patterns in line with the National Curriculum 2014.

Our chosen spelling programmes are Little Wandle for phonics lessons and Year 1 and Year 2.

For KS2, we use ‘No-nonsense Spelling’, which is taught from Years 3-6 once children are secure with Phase 5 GPCs. The programme builds on the strong foundations of phonics teaching from Little Wandle Letters & Sounds Revised, by supporting children in understanding morphology, spelling strategies, the orthographic nature of words, patterns, word origins, common exception words and personal spellings. It follows a model of five spelling sessions across two weeks (although in Year 2 these are daily).

In each child’s Writing journey, we endeavour to ensure challenge within a supportive environment where we strive to ‘Be The Best We Can Be’.

Whole School Curriculum Aims

Levendale Curriculum Goals – Writing

Healthy and Safe	Classroom environments promote a safe place for every child to learn and children are taught to use writing equipment safely. Children are supported and taught about ways to both seek help and strategies to use and develop their writing.Children are taught to discuss problems, using their speaking and listening skills.When using technology in writing lessons, children are taught to use this safely and appropriately, following the school rules. Our Writing Curriculum includes about aspects that support learning about being healthy and keeping safe.
Positive Mindset	Adults support children to become independent and help them to develop the skills and knowledge to become successful writers.Success Criteria is used to support writing tasks so that all children know the steps to achieve a successful outcome.Editing is an important part of the writing journey; therefore, children understand that everyone makes mistakes and that we can learn from them. Children are encouraged to ‘have a go’ and to try their best in all Writing lessons.We ensure a caring and supportive ethos in our classrooms.
Respect	Children are exposed to a diverse world through the texts which are chosen to support children’s writing.Children are taught to work respectfully when working with othersWhen editing work and using peer assessment, children do this respectfully and they support and encourage others with ideas and improvements. Children are encouraged to take part in whole class discussions where they are encouraged to give their ideas and opinions which are respected and supported by others in the class. Staff are role models for the children.We celebrate effort and achievements so that all children feel valued.
Independence	At Levendale, we encourage our writers to be independent and confident so that, by the time they leave us, they are able to make their own choices in their writing and can confidently use their writing skills to respond to any given task.At the end of every term from Y1 onward, we ensure learners are given the chance to complete an independent learning task where they are able to control an element of the writing outcome and make their own decisions. In Early Years, opportunities for independent choices in their writing are threaded throughout.Children are encouraged to select and use resources independently in the classroom to support their learning.
Pupil Voice	When children are writing, they are given the opportunity to read their work aloud. In each year, children are given a range of opportunities to present their work to different audiences. Children are given opportunities to conduct peer and self-assessment.Children are given opportunities to complete an independent learning task where they are able to control an element of the writing outcome and make their own decisions.The interests of the children are planned for by the class teacher.
Aspirational	At Levendale, we strive to make Writing lessons challenging, purposeful and exciting for all children.Texts are carefully chosen to provide the best examples and to expose children to a wide variety of vocabulary. Children are encouraged to use their own ideas and new vocabulary they have learned. We recognise that English is a key life skill and provides the foundation for academic success. We aim to provide a highly quality curriculum that is progressive and equips all children with the knowledge and skills needed to reach their full potential in life, regardless of their background, needs or abilities.