Writing

Writing is an integral part of the English Curriculum which is delivered using the National Curriculum revised in 2014.  This ensures that a balanced and broad curriculum – which is progressive –  is delivered.

At Chilwell Croft Academy our writing curriculum is designed to nurture confident and proficient writers who can articulate their thoughts effectively, cater to different audiences, and express themselves authentically across a spectrum of genres. By fostering a love for writing, enriching vocabulary, and emphasizing purposeful composition, we aim to empower students with a lifelong skill that extends far beyond the classroom.

Our aims are to create writers who:

  • Understand the purpose and audience of their writing.
  • Compose written works using a rich and varied vocabulary.
  • Compose written works in diverse genres.

Understanding the Purpose and Audience of Writing:

Our curriculum aims to empower pupils to recognise that writing is not solely about words on paper, but a potent tool for communication. Understanding the purpose behind their writing and considering the audience they intend to reach are foundational skills.

  • Approach:
    • Pupils will explore various real-world scenarios where writing serves different purposes (persuasion, entertainment, information, etc.).
    • They will learn to analyse the needs and expectations of different audiences, tailoring their writing style, tone, and content accordingly.
    • Activities will include crafting letters to public figures, creating advertisements, and writing reports on topics of personal interest.

Curriculum Implementation

Compose written works using a rich and varied vocabulary.

We aspire to instil a love for writing by making it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. When pupils are passionate about writing, they are more likely to excel and engage with the craft on a deeper level. At Chilwell Croft Academy we believe vocabulary is the cornerstone of effective communication. By expanding their lexicon, pupils can articulate their thoughts and ideas with clarity and precision.

  • Approach:
    • Encouraging creativity through imaginative writing prompts, such as storytelling, poetry, and creative non-fiction.
    • Providing opportunities for pupils to share their work in a safe and supportive environment, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride.
    • Introducing pupils to literature that showcases the beauty and power of language, inspiring them to explore their own unique writing styles.
    • Daily vocabulary exercises to introduce new words and phrases, with an emphasis on their meanings, synonyms, and usage.
    • Encouraging pupils to use a variety of descriptive language in their writing, enhancing the depth and vividness of their narratives.
    • Vocabulary-building games, word challenges, and group discussions to make learning engaging and interactive.

Compose Written Works in Diverse Genres:

Writing encompasses a vast array of genres, each offering its own set of conventions and creative possibilities. Our curriculum aims to expose pupils to this diversity, allowing them to discover their strengths and interests.

  • Approach:
    • Exploring genres such as narratives, persuasive essays, informational texts, poetry, plays, and journalistic writing.
    • Providing guidance on the unique structures, features, and language styles of each genre, enabling pupils to experiment and develop their skills.
    • Encouraging cross-genre exploration to foster versatility and adaptability in writing.
    • Use of diverse text that have been chosen to reflect the children of Chilwell.

At Chilwell there is a clearly sequenced writing process that is followed for units of work. This sequence allows for the teaching of key skills from the year group programme of study the children are following and their application in short burst writing and independent pieces. An integral part of the writing process is the modelling process – which highlights the writers craft of language choice – which impact the audience.

Prior learning is an important part of the writing curriculum and at Chilwell , we believe that it is important to revisit previously taught content. This is done through a starters , modelled writing and shared writing.

At the end of each unit , the children plan and draft an independent composition  – editing opportunities are given before the children ‘publish’ their composed piece of writing. This is then assessed again the National Curriculum.   

Curriculum Impact

At Chilwell we give opportunities for cross curricular writing – this is done through a varied range of subjects.  The children are given opportunities to apply skills taught in writing into cross curricular writing.

We are proud of our children’s writing which features weekly in our school newsletter.

Handwriting

We use Letterjoin in school to help children develop fluent, clear and legible joined up writing. Handwriting is practised on a daily basis.  Children work hard to achieve a pen licence from Year three, which encourages them to take care in their presentation and pride in their work.  We are currently developing subject specific vocabulary to be practised in all subjects across the curriculum at the start of each lesson.

Vocabulary and Spelling

We encourage our pupils to have a wide and growing vocabulary in a number of ways, these include:

  • RWI Spellings
  • Spelling lists/ key words to take home and learn
  • Vocabulary rich classrooms with key words displayed
  • Using the correct vocabulary orally
  • In-depth spelling based lessons looking at patterns
  • Using dictionaries and thesaurus
  • Carrying out systematic testing and providing feedback to pupils
  • Targeted one to one/ small group support, where appropriate
  • Phonics teaching makes strong links between blending for reading, segmenting for spelling and handwriting. We encourage all of our pupils to apply their phonic knowledge when writing. Our focus on teaching spelling across the school embraces the knowledge of spelling conventions, patterns and rules. We also teach spellings through combining spelling and handwriting as in Letterjoin.  Our teaching of spelling includes common exception words, high frequency words and topic words.

The Read Write Inc Scheme is used with children from Reception to Year 6 organised into groups and phonics lessons taking place on a daily basis from 9:00am – 10:00am.

Read Write Inc interventions have also been organised for specific children from Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Our Read Write Inc Lead is supported by the Senior Leadership Team, Reading Lead and a Read Write Inc Consultant Trainer.

Regular monitoring is undertaken of Read Write Inc and opportunities for Reading Teachers to meet, reflect and practise are regular each half term.

Phonics teaching makes strong links between blending for reading, segmenting for spelling and handwriting. We encourage all of our pupils to apply their phonic knowledge when writing. Our focus on teaching spelling across the school embraces the knowledge of spelling conventions, patterns and rules. Our teaching of spelling follows Read Write Inc and focuses on common exception words, high frequency words and topic words.