"I adore writing at our school because it allows my imagination to run wild!"

Writing

At Berkeley Primary School, we strive to engage our children in exciting writing experiences that inspire, engage and support writing development. Writing is planned and taught using objectives from the National Curriculum Framework. Teachers ensure that they select objectives that are appropriate for their children. Opportunities for modelled, shared and guided writing are planned for as they are all effective strategies for raising standards in writing.  Writing is closely linked to reading and oracy and is taught and completed across the curriculum. Teachers encourage children to maintain a high standard of writing across the curriculum. 

There is a strong focus on the teaching of specific skills in spelling and grammar, which are applied when writing independently. Children have the opportunity to up level, amend and improve their work, for example through paired talk and self assessment. The features and layouts of a full range of writing genres are taught in both fiction and non-fiction, with planned opportunities to write freely in these genres in other curriculum areas. There is a strong focus on writing in context and an expectation that quantity is needed to become a writer. Handwriting should be cursive, joined and fluent from Y1.

"Writing makes me happy because it allows me to express my self creatively!"

SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)

We use the National Curriculum Grammar Appendix to plan and teach grammar across KS1 and KS2. To maximise learning, grammar objectives are sometimes linked to the style or genre being taught. It is vital that children see the link between grammar and writing and opportunities are built in throughout the teaching sequence. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are taught in every class, at the level needed by the child.

In Key Stage 1, punctuation and grammar are taught through punctuation and grammar starters at the beginning of English lesson or a punctuation or grammar lesson. In Key Stage 2, children take part in a weekly punctuation or grammar lesson. Grammar is also incorporated into daily English sessions.

Spelling in Key Stage 2 uses the requirements from the National Curriculum spelling appendix. This outlines the objectives taught in each year group. The expectation is that Key Stage 2 and Year 2 teachers follow the No Nonsense Spelling programme. In Year 2 it is taught for at least 15 minutes daily, with one of the sessions being a spelling test. In Key Stage 2 spelling is incorporated into English lessons with a weekly spelling test. At least once a week, a spelling activity is recorded in English books. Practice activities may be planned for in other times, for example in guided reading. 

Children’s growing understanding of spelling rules is only valuable if they go on to apply it in their independent writing in all subject areas. This process is supported through:

• Shared writing: the teacher demonstrates how to apply spelling strategies while writing and teaches proof reading skills.
• Guided and independent writing.
• Proof reading; children in Key Stages 1 and 2 are taught how to proof read their work and how to check words using a dictionary. 
• Teaching and practising handwriting; learning and practising a fluent, joined style will support the children’s spelling development.

Weekly spellings are sent home and children are expected to learn them. These are differentiated appropriately.

"I like writing because it is fun. I love using writing to express my feelings."