Writing 

The school currently uses elements of  Jane Considine's ‘The Write Stuff’ (sentence stacking) approach. The Write Stuff is based on two guiding principles; teaching sequences that slide between experience days and sentence stacking lessons. With modelling at the heart of them, the sentence stacking lessons are broken into bite-sized chunks and taught under the structural framework of The Writing Rainbow. Teachers prepare children for writing by modelling the ideas, grammar or techniques of writing. 

This research informed and evidence based systems provide structures for success, enabling teachers to deliver outstanding results, through the systematic approach used within the plans. The sentences are stacked together chronologically and organised to engage children with short, intensive moments of learning that they can then immediately apply to their own writing. 

As a school we have chosen to produce 'Carlton's  approach to Writing' so that we can develop a smooth transition from EYFS towards fidelity to the scheme from year 1 where the approach is introduced, ensuring that by the end of year 1 all children are immersed in 'The Write Stuff' approach . As we have mixed year groups, we have found that this is the right way for us to ensure that all children form a love for writing and can access the curriculum at their level, transitioning from a continuous provision approach to a more formal style. 

Within EYFS, the children begin through the use of helicopter stories which starts in nursery. Helicopter Stories is a simple approach to supporting Early Learning Years Education. The practitioner sits with the child, listens to their story, and writes it down word for word. Once all the stories have been scribed, the class gather around a taped out stage, ready to act them out. Helicopter Stories values children’s creativity and imaginative play, whilst supporting language development, storytelling and emergent literacy. This approach is used within reception wish then gradually combines elements of 'The Write Stuff' within it, meaning that by the end of reception the children start to become familiar with vocabulary and parts of the approach ready for year 1. 

Speaking and Listening

Children have many discussions in class and children are taught how to present and to debate having respect for others as speakers and reflect upon the opinions of others. Within ‘The Write stuff’ approach as part of the initiate lesson speaking and listening is focused heavily upon. The children take part in drama, discussions and experience sessions.  Children also have the opportunities across the year to take part in class assemblies, show and tell and performances to practise their skills to an audience.

Spelling

In EYFS and Key Stage 1 the spellings are linked to the level and unit that the children are working on in that week within phonics. In Key Stage 2 the Twinkl Spelling Programme is followed which complements the Twinkl Phonics Program thus providing continuity for our children. Spellings are taught explicitly each week and Look, Say, Cover, write. Check completed nightly for regular practice. Children are tested each week by using the words in dictated sentences. 

Handwriting

We use the Twinkl cursive joined script and all work typed or written for children is modelled in this style. Regular handwriting sessions take place and children know that presentation is very important.

Celebrations

Like reading, we want to give all children the chance to shine and become an author. After every unit of work the children will produce their own version of that genre, using the skills that they have been taught but within a different context. This is completely independent and follows the same process of planning, gathering vocabulary, feeling the writing, drama leading to writing and finally editing. This work is formally assessed using our monitoring sheets and three children from each year group are chosen to have their work displayed in the library and invited to a special tea party with the Headteacher. 

We want all children to leave our school knowing how to write, unafraid of a blank page and excited to put pen to paper!