Writing

Writing ‘The Hollickwood Way’

Ensuring that children learn to write fluently, creatively, accurately and with enjoyment is of paramount importance in our school. We therefore have an unashamedly ambitious and rigorous approach to the teaching of writing so that all children leave our school with a love of literature and the written word and the writing skills necessary to fully access the next stage of their education. Our teaching of writing is rooted in our school’s core values: Compassion, Creativity, Commitment, Confidence, Curiosity and Courage. It has been informed by research-based evidence of best practice. Typically, only a half of our pupils join us with the necessary pre-writing skills and vocabulary to be on track to meet standards typical for their age. 

Writing Curriculum Intent

Our writing curriculum is designed with the aim that all children:

• Develop into articulate and imaginative communicators, who are well-equipped with the basic skills they need to become life-long learners.

• See themselves as real writers and see writing as an interesting, purposeful and enjoyable process.

• Write clearly, accurately, coherently and creatively, adapting their language and style for a range of meaningful contexts, purposes and audiences.

• Are able to confidently communicate their knowledge, ideas and emotions through writing.

• Take pride in the presentation of their writing and develop a fluent and consistent, cursive handwriting style.

• Develop a genuine love of language and the written word.

• Acquire a wide vocabulary, a solid understanding of grammar, and are able to spell new words by effectively applying their knowledge of etymology, morphology, syllables, and phonics.

• Develop an understanding of how widely writing is used in everyday life and, therefore, realise how important and useful the taught skills are.

• Understand the conventions of writing and manipulate language to create effects for the reader.

• Acquire and learn the skills to plan, draft, edit, and refine their written work. 

• Develop independence so that they are able to identify their own areas for improvement in all pieces of writing.