Writing Curriculum

Children at Barley Lane Primary School are constantly exposed to high level vocabulary that is taught through reading and reinforced throughout the day through curriculum subjects. Through early writing children are encouraged to write familiar and unfamiliar words using the phonics taught. High frequency words are constantly modelled and displayed for children to become familiar with. By the end of Key Stage 1 children are able to write a range of different styles ranging from narratives to formal letter writing.  These acquired writing skills are further complimented as children transition from KS1 to KS2.

Intent 

At Barley Lane Primary School, we deliver an exciting, innovative writing curriculum, linked to our reading and foundation subject curriculum, which enables and empowers children’s written and oral communication and creativity. We aim for all children to be avid and enthusiastic writers wanting to develop their skills across the spectrum of genres. Furthermore, we believe that our children should be able to use a wide range of vocabulary suited to the genre of writing which has an impact on the reader of their writing  As we believe consistency and well-taught English is the bedrock of a valuable education, at Barley Lane we ensure that the teaching of writing is purposeful, robust and shows clear progression for all children.  In line with the new national curriculum, we ensure that each year group is teaching the grammar, punctuation and spelling objectives required for that age group.  All teachers expect the highest standard of writing from the children when writing in all subjects.

Implementation

 As we believe consistency and well-taught English is the bedrock of a valuable education, at Barley Lane we ensure that the teaching of writing is purposeful, robust and shows clear progression for all children.  In line with the national curriculum, we ensure that each year group is teaching the grammar, punctuation and spelling objectives required for that age group.  Writing is taught in a cross curricular way linking to most other parts of the curriculum centring on the development and application of vocabulary. To support children in moving towards independent writing we provide a wide range of activities including use of film and imagery, modelled, shared and guided writing, peer editing and discussion. Furthermore, talk for writing is used to encourage pupils to express their ideas, exchange ideas and to develop vocabulary that is more sophisticated. In addition, we provide opportunities for writing for purpose and we encourage pupils to see themselves as authors. As well as teaching the objectives, teachers are able to embed the skills throughout the year in cross-curricular writing opportunities and ensure that most children are achieving the objectives at the expected level and that some children can achieve at a greater depth standard.

In KS2 English is taught in a symbiotic way linking to the teaching of reading through a high-quality text. Punctuation, grammar and spelling are also taught alongside this text. This is done through 5 x 60 minute sessions across the week. As much as possible the sessions are linked to all other curriculum areas. Writing is promoted across the school through display work and also through the use of our Poet Laureates.

Impact

 The impact on our children is clear: progress, sustained learning and transferrable skills.  With the implementation of the writing process being well established and taught thoroughly in both key stages, children are becoming more confident writers and by the time they are in upper Key Stage 2, most genres of writing are familiar to them and the teaching can focus on creativity, writer’s craft, sustained writing and manipulation of grammar and punctuation skills.

As all aspects of English are an integral part of the curriculum, cross curricular writing standards have also improved and skills taught in the English lesson are transferred into other subjects; this shows consolidation of skills and a deeper understanding of how and when to use specific grammar, punctuation and grammar objectives.  We hope that as children move on from us to further their education and learning that their creativity, passion for English and high aspirations travel with them and continue to grow and develop as they do.