Writing
Curriculum Purpose
At Wescott Infant School we believe that language and literacy is a fundamental life skill essential to participating fully as a member of society.
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We aim to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. Children are encouraged to express themselves creatively and imaginatively through stories, poetry and drama enabling them to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Children use their knowledge, skills and understanding in speaking and writing across a range of different situations.
Curriculum Aims
We aim to promote high standards of language and literacy within an integrated programme of Speaking & Listening, Reading & Writing. Pupils will be given opportunities to develop their skills in English within a broad and balanced approach to the teaching across the curriculum.
In the Foundation Stage we aim for children to:
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use communication, language and English in every part of the curriculum
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become immersed in an environment rich in print and possibilities for communication
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listen attentively in a range of situations
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express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs
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follow instructions
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use their phonic knowledge to read and write words and simple sentences
By the end of Key Stage One we aim for children to:
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write with confidence, fluency and understanding, developing a range of independent strategies to self-monitor and correct
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foster the enjoyment of writing, and a recognition of its value
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write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences
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develop the powers of imagination, inventiveness and critical awareness
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have an interest in words, their meanings; acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
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acquire an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language
There will be:
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creative planning which follows the requirements of the National Curriculum and Early Learning Goals, while also linking with the children’s choice topic/curriculum.
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allocation of core curriculum time for the teaching of essential English, taking account of cross-curricular opportunities
ICT used where appropriate to meet the needs of children and the topic being taught.
Curriculum Overview
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Writing skills will be taught through links to half termly pupil choice topics. Teachers will also seek to take advantage of opportunities to make cross-curricular links. They will plan for pupils to practise and apply the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired through English lessons to other areas of the curriculum.
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Strategies to achieve our aims:
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a variety of drama activities, including both verbal and non-verbal communication of their ideas, views and feelings
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well planned English lessons with differentiated activities where appropriate
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opportunities for emergent, shared, guided and independent writing
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provision of a range of teacher support materials
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running intervention programmes as appropriate
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pupils being taught an agreed handwriting style with all lower case letter formulation starting from the baseline
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regular access to alphabet strips, word cards and dictionaries;
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special events such as Book Week, drama groups, etc., to enhance the curriculum programme
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links to parents – including homework related to phonics and spelling and a home-school reading record
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use of ‘Talk for Writing’ techniques to motivate and engage the children
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learning journey displays
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appropriate target setting
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positive role modelling
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classroom displays