Writing

 

At Jump Primary School, we want all pupils to be enthusiastic writers (be confident) who enjoy showcasing their developing literacy knowledge and skills (be responsible). From Nursery to Year 6, our aim is to develop pupils who have the stamina and ability to write at least at the age expected standard and who can transfer their English skills to other curriculum subjects (be resilient).

We believe that children need to develop a secure knowledge-base in English, with spoken language underpinning everything we do. Our teachers follow a clear pathway of progression, as they journey through our curriculum. We believe that a secure basis in literacy skills is crucial to a high-quality education and will give our children the tools they need to participate fully as a member of society (be self-aware).

We believe that a quality Writing curriculum should also develop children’s love of reading and discussion (be articulate). We aim to inspire an appreciation of our rich and varied literary heritage and a habit of writing widely and often, “magpieing” the skills of quality authors. We provide opportunities for writing for purpose and we encourage pupils to see themselves as authors through publishing a variety of genres. We promote the status of written work by providing opportunities for children’s writing to be “published” as well as displayed throughout school- to celebrate achievements. Handwriting is taught following the Helping Handwriting Shine programme in discrete sessions and within Writing lessons.

We encourage our pupils to think and write creatively, be adventurous- experimenting with their use and choice of language and to write with clear purpose and for pleasure. We recognise the importance of nurturing a culture where children take pride in their writing, can write clearly and accurately and adapt their language and style for a range of contexts (be respectful).

Early English, alongside effective teaching of systematic synthetic phonics, focuses on the key elements of: language/vocabulary acquistion, word reading, spelling, pencil grip and letter formation. Children also undertake a range of activities to develop fine and gross motor skills such as dough disco, helicopter stories and Write Dance.

Oral comprehension and composition are key components during the early years to help children develop language and communication skills which will later help them when they come to written composition. Once children are confident, and competent, in these areas and ready for written composition, they begin to access the Spelling Shed scheme of work alongside whole class writing lessons.

 

 

Pupils at Jump Primary School will leave Year 6:

  • Writing with confidence, fluency, accuracy and speed, using a range of independent strategies to self-monitor and correct;
  • With a love of writing and a desire to write for enjoyment;
  • With an interest in words and their meanings;
  • Developing a growing vocabulary in spoken and written forms;
  • Understanding how to create a range of text types, media types and genres;
  • Able to write in a variety of styles and forms appropriate to the situation;
  • Using their developing imagination, inventiveness and critical awareness;
  • Having a suitable technical vocabulary to articulate their responses confidently.

We emphasise, that in order to communicate ideas, writing needs to be edited so it is easy to read, contains correct spellings, grammar and punctuation, and makes sense. Every opportunity is taken to develop writing skills for a range of purposes and a variety of audiences, both in English lessons and across the whole curriculum.

Every child from Year 1 to Year 6 has the opportunity to achieve a pen licence where they can move from writing in pencil to pen.

 

We believe at Jump Primary School that the more you read - the better writer you will become and therefore, all of our classes enjoy developing a "magpie wall" throughout the year where vocabulary is shared and celebrated.

 

English Map

Writing Progression and Expectations

Progression through the genres by Year group

Spelling Shed Scheme Guidance

Spelling Shed Small Steps