Intent 

The aim of our Writing curriculum is to:

• Equip children with the skills to become confident, competent, writers who are able to use writing as a means of expression and as a communication tool.
• Ensure that pupils acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language.
• Ensure that children write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.

How does our Writing curriculum link with our school values?

 We write a range of genres, challenging ourselves to write like authors across the whole curriculum. We draft and edit our work to make sure it is the best that it can be.

 We show respect for others through consideration of our audience.

 We share our ideas and work as a team to plan our writing. 

We understand that writing is a process and it can take many attempts to reach our goal. 

What is our approach to Writing at Holy Family?

We have developed a broad and bespoke approach to teaching Writing at Holy Family. The foundations of this begin in the Early Years Foundation Stage where children are immersed in opportunities to develop the necessary motor skills that are needed to be 'ready to write'. Writing and letter formation is interwoven as part of our Phonics curriculum in Reception, progressing into the national curriculum for writing in Key Stage 1 and 2. 

The Writing Process

Our children are taught from the very beginning that writing is a process and it can take time to reach our very best work. We have designed a curriculum which allows children to have the safe space to make mistakes, as well as being supported to make improvements. Our Writing lessons are taught around quality texts, which have been specifically chosen to spark the children's imagination and expose them to a breadth of different literary styles. These texts are used to teach the key components of writing: 

• Vocabulary 

• Punctuation

• Sentence style/ structure 

The children then begin the process of creating their individual piece of writing. At Holy Family, our process is consistent across all year groups. 

The children will:

Draft

At this point the children will begin the initial draft of their work by including what they have learnt throughout their lessons. 

Edit 

This is where the children will work to spot areas for improvements in their work and make the necessary corrections.

Improve

Another draft of their work is written, which includes all of the improvements they have made during the editing stage. 

Publish 

Purpose is given to their writing. Time is dedicated to allowing the children to take pride in what they have produced. 

Take a look at our whole school text progression map to see the exciting books that we use in our English learning!