Writing

 

Introduction to the Writing Curriculum

Here at St Luke's, we believe that writing is a powerful tool for communication, creativity, and self-expression. Our writing curriculum is designed to nurture confident writers who can adapt their style and tone for a range of audiences and purposes.

Our aim is to equip children with the skills to:

• Write clearly, accurately, and coherently across a variety of genres

• Develop a rich vocabulary and a competent understanding of grammar

• Plan, draft, edit, and improve their work with increasing independence

• Enjoy writing and see themselves as authors

 

We follow the National Curriculum for Literacy across Key Stage 1 and 2. Please click here for the full document.

 In order to write confidently, we support pupils to develop their skills in both transcription and composition.

 

Transcription: Transcription refers to the skills needed to write accurately:

• Spelling: Children learn to spell using phonics, common exception words, and spelling patterns

• Handwriting: Pupils are taught correct letter formation, spacing, and eventually joined handwriting

• Punctuation and Grammar: Basic sentence punctuation (capital letters, full stops, question marks) is introduced early and reinforced through daily practice

 

Composition: Composition is about generating and organising ideas:

• Planning and Structuring: Children learn to sequence ideas logically using story maps and sentence starters

• Vocabulary Development: Rich texts and oral storytelling help children expand their word choices

• Creativity and Purpose: Pupils write for a range of purposes—stories, letters, reports, and poems—developing their voice and intent

• Editing and Improving: All the way through school, children are encouraged to re-read their work and make improvements using success criteria and feedback from teachers and peers

 

Spelling and Handwriting Schemes

The school has adopted Twinkl schemes for both handwriting and spelling, and regular sessions ensure consistency in letter formation leading to fluency and accuracy in joins.

Spelling patterns are taught explicitly in discrete spelling lessons taught each week with key vocabulary displayed in classroom.

Regular spelling homework is set based on statutory year requirements and genre-specific vocabulary.

 

 

The St Luke's Writing Journey

We ensure the key elements of composition and SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) are taught by writing across a range of contexts, including many real life purposes.  Children are encouraged to see themselves as authors, with opportunities to write independently and collaboratively across the curriculum. We embed speaking, listening and language throughout each unit of work and follow the same 'journey' in each genre unit across all yeargroups to ensure consistency and promote progress.

Here are the 4 steps in every writing unit:

• Step 1:  What are my writing targets?  

Pupils plan and write a 'Cold Write' piece for the teacher to assess the current level of understanding and the areas to work on.

• Step 2:  What are the features of ....?

Reading focus - reading and investigating high quality texts / examples.  Pupils analyse features of the genre, exploring audience, purpose and vocabulary. 

• Step 3:  What skills must I develop to write an effective ...?

SPaG and composition focus.  Pupils are taught and are given lots of opportunity to practise genre-specific punctuation and grammar and develop writing skills through lots of short writing episodes including overwriting and shared writing.

• Step 4:  Can I write an effective ...?

Pupils put all their skills together to plan, draft, write and edit their own 'Hot Write' piece.  Often this piece is 'published' or presented to provide a real-life incentivefor their writing. Pupils self assess their learning and are given feedback from teachers about their progress. 

 

“You can make anything by writing.” – C.S. Lewis

 

Here is our yearly Literacy genre overview for each year group: