Writing

Writing at Gidea Park

Writing is a skill which suffuses the curriculum; children's ability to articulate themselves through the written word is vital in supporting them to develop and showcase their understanding across a whole range of subjects, in addition to being a key lifelong skill. Children are taught to write in daily writing lessons, and expected to employ these skills and maintain high standards in their work throughout all curriculum areas. They take pride in the quality of their writing, examples of which are showcased around the school.

Reception

Children develop their mark-making skills, being afforded widening opportunities to employ these purposefully and productively while developing their fine motor skills.

Key Stage 1

Children write with increasing purpose, learning to construct clear, accurate, punctuated sentences that cohere into a longer piece.

Key Stage 2

Children build the skills needed to plan, draft, edit and redraft a piece of writing, gaining increasing independence in expressing themselves in a clear, coherent, creative manner. 

Genres

Children are taught about different genres of, and purposes for, writing, giving them the opportunity to read widely and emulate a range of styles. Genres to be taught are mapped across the school and introduced, revisited and built upon year-on-year. Specifics can be seen on each year group's document on the curriculum page.

Punctuation and Grammar

Throughout their time at Gidea Park children are taught punctuation and grammar content in specific, targeted lessons, whilst being given the opportunity to employ these skills in their own written work. National Curriculum objectives are mapped clearly across the school, building children's skills along with their increasing confidence as writers.

Handwriting

Handwriting is taught using the Letterjoin scheme. Once children are able to confidently form their letters, they are taught to join their writing and are then expected to do so throughout all their written work at school. 

Parental Support

When developing as writers, enjoyment and engagement are of as much import as developing the necessary skills. Often, where parents can best support at home is by giving children encouragement and opportunity to write about things they enjoy; to make stories, to write letters, to be creative.