Writing

At Russell Hall Primary School, we value the power of reading and using high-quality texts to engage and inspire writing. Through the effective teaching of writing, children will be able to write for a range of purposes and audiences.

Our aims are to:

·         Guide and nurture each individual on their own personal journeys to becoming successful writers.

·         Provide exciting writing opportunities and experiences that engage and enhance all pupils.

·         We want all children to acquire a wide vocabulary and to be able to spell new words by effectively applying the spelling patterns and rules they learn throughout their time in primary school.

·         We want all children to have a solid understanding of grammar and apply it effectively to their writing.

·         We want them to write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences.

·         We believe that all children should be encouraged to take pride in the presentation of their writing, in part by developing a legible, cursive, individual handwriting style by the time they move to secondary school.

·         We want every child to have a good knowledge of phonics to springboard children to becoming fluent writers.

·         To plan a progressive curriculum to build upon previous teaching, with regular assessment to ensure each child’s needs are met to reach their full potential.

The national curriculum for English ensures that all pupils:

·         read easily, fluently and with good understanding

·         develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information

·         acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

·         appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

·         write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences

·         use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas

·         are competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debates.

We strive to achieve this through providing a range of picture, story and non-fiction books which are carefully selected to link into the wider curriculum and to enhance our pupil’s cultural capital. The texts selected for our bespoke writing curriculum are used and adapted across the school as a vehicle for teaching creative writing.