Our Intent:

Our writing curriculum is designed with a clear focus: to teach pupils how to write effectively and coherently for different purposes and readers. We encourage our children to write every day, to empower them to develop a love of literature and become confident and competent writers who can express their ideas clearly and creatively. We want our children to develop their imagination and create a culture where children love to write and take pride in their writing. Our curriculum provides children with essential skills in grammar, spelling and composition that will support them as lifelong writers, preparing them for their next stage of education and later life. 

Our Implementation:
Our writing begins in Reception where we support early writing development through a structured progression of skills. Based on HeidiSong’s Chart of Developmental Progression, our curriculum is divided into several stages that align with the educational needs of young learners. This document outlines a developmental progression of a child's writing skills, categorised into twelve distinct stages, from essential pictorial representation to more complex spelling and sentence structures. West Wycombe School uses this developmental process to support children's writing development in Reception, by recognising and nurturing each writing stage. They encourage children to express ideas through pictures and random scribbling, gradually guiding them towards using symbols, random letters, and letter strings. Children are introduced to environmental print, beginning sounds, and inventive spelling as they progress. This structured approach helps children develop their literacy skills in a supportive and systematic manner, ensuring that each child moves through the stages at their own pace, ultimately achieving more accurate spelling and writing patterns. Additionally, it helps them develop the necessary skills to become confident and competent writers. We use phonics skills to support writing. 

In Years 1-6, pupils are exposed to a range of specifically planned and sequenced genres and text types, to enrich their writing experience and provide exposure to different styles and forms of writing. Pupils develop an understanding of transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing). Alongside this, they learn how to create a sense of coherence and authorial intent. 

Linked to reading, children base their writing around a high-quality text. This approach ensures that they are consistently exposed to high-level vocabulary, enhancing their language skills and enriching their writing. This not only helps them develop a diverse set of skills, but improves their understanding of different writing styles and conventions. Throughout the school, a handwriting progression map supports the teaching of letter formation. 

Lessons in KS1 are structured to allow children to discuss ideas for writing before forming written pieces. Children are taught essential knowledge and skills to craft a piece of writing over time in order to build stamina, and sufficient time is given to ensure quality pieces of work. In KS2, teachers guide children through a clear writing process and children have the opportunity to generate ideas, plan, draft, edit and publish their writing.

Oracy is a key element of our English lessons and in KS1, for children to become fluent, creative writers, they are encouraged to express their ideas through speaking and listening opportunities, including partner talk and role-play. These lively, interactive learning exchanges provide all children with the tools and knowledge necessary to become successful writers. In KS2, drama techniques are explored and repeated to enhance children’s spoken language, presentation skills and to use as stimuli pre or post-writing. In addition, there are opportunities across the curriculum for children to enhance their spoken language, through exploring vocabulary in ‘book talk’ sessions in whole-class reading; carrying out formal presentations; taking part in class performances and engaging in debates.

Learning to edit and make additions to writing is encouraged throughout the school. In KS1, children are taught and guided in how to make simple edits and additions so that they can begin doing so more independently as they progress. In KS2, children are encouraged to proof-read and taught how to edit their work through peer or teacher feedback. Teachers make it clear that writing has an audience and that the publishing of writing is an important aspect of the writing process. We understand the importance and relevance of technology in enhancing our writing curriculum. Through our digital suite, we encourage writing and publishing for specific purposes, such as podcasting. Using our green screen and podcasting software, children are excited to write and bring their writing to life for specific audiences. Similarly, by utilising accessibility tools across the school, we ensure our lessons are inclusive for all learners. 

Impact

Our writing curriculum will significantly impact our students in the short and long term. Our students will:
- Be confident and competent writers who can write effectively for different purposes and audiences.

- Achieve well by the end of KS2, ready for their next stage of education.
- Have a diverse set of writing skills and knowledge, with the ability to apply them to different genres and text types.
- Be able to articulate their ideas and thoughts clearly and creatively, both verbally and through the written word.
- Understand transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating and structuring ideas in speech and writing).
- Demonstrate neat and legible handwriting.
- Have a vast vocabulary and a strong understanding of text types and their conventions.
- Develop a love of literature and a lifelong appreciation for writing.