Year 4 Writing Curriculum at West Wycombe School

Introduction

At West Wycombe School, we are committed to nurturing proficient and confident writers. Our Year 4 writing curriculum is designed to develop a comprehensive set of writing skills, ensuring that students can effectively plan, structure, and present their ideas. This report outlines the key topics covered, the competencies expected from our Year 4 writers, and the type of writer we aim to cultivate.

Key Topics and Competencies

1.Planning

Competency: Students are taught to plan their writing to ensure it has a clear structure and flows logically.
Expectation: They should be able to outline their ideas before writing, ensuring coherence and organization.

2.Organisation

Competency: Use of paragraphs to organize ideas around a theme.
Expectation: Students should use appropriate nouns and pronouns for clarity, cohesion, and to avoid repetition.

3.Style of Writing

Competency: Use of subheadings and headings in non-narrative writing; descriptive elements in narrative writing.
Expectation: Students should be able to describe settings, characters, and plots effectively.

4.Checking and Editing

Competency: Proofreading for grammar and spelling mistakes, and making necessary changes.
Expectation: Students should be able to assess their own work and that of their peers, making constructive suggestions for improvement.

5.Punctuation

Competency: Accurate punctuation at the beginning and end of sentences; correct use of inverted commas (speech marks).
Expectation: Students should demonstrate consistent use of punctuation to enhance readability.

6.Sentence Structure

Competency: Use of a range of sentence types (simple, compound, complex) and conjunctions; use of fronted adverbials.
Expectation: Students should vary their sentence structures to create engaging and dynamic writing.

7.Vocabulary

Competency: Use of adverbs, adverbial phrases, and adventurous vocabulary.
Expectation: Students should enrich their writing with detailed and varied vocabulary.

8.Tense

Competency: Correct use of past tense and present perfect forms of verbs.
Expectation: Students should consistently use the appropriate tense for their writing.

9.Spelling

Competency: Consistent spelling of alternative sounds, prefixes, suffixes, and Year 3-4 word list.
Expectation: Students should demonstrate accurate spelling in their writing.

10.Handwriting

Competency: Ability to write fluently, legibly, and with increasing speed.
Expectation: Students should develop a clear and efficient handwriting style.
National Curriculum Expectations for Year 4 Writers

The national curriculum for Year 4 writers emphasizes the development of a range of writing skills, including planning, drafting, evaluating, and editing. Students are expected to:
•    Write for a range of purposes and audiences.
•    Organize their writing into coherent paragraphs.
•    Use a rich and varied vocabulary.
•    Apply accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
•    Develop a legible and fluent handwriting style.

The Type of Writer We Aim to Cultivate

At West Wycombe School, we aim to cultivate writers who are:

•    Confident: Able to express their ideas clearly and creatively.
•    Competent: Skilled in the technical aspects of writing, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
•    Reflective: Capable of evaluating their own work and making improvements.
•    Engaged: Enthusiastic about writing and eager to explore different genres and styles.

Our Year 4 writing curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills they need to become proficient and confident writers. By focusing on key topics and competencies, we ensure that our students meet the expectations of the national curriculum and develop into the type of writers who can effectively communicate their ideas and engage their readers.