Clavering Primary School

Writing at Clavering Primary School

Our Approach to Writing

At Clavering Primary, writing lessons form a cornerstone of our curriculum. We believe that immersing children in high-quality literature provides the best foundation for developing confident, creative writers.

Our writing curriculum is built around carefully selected class novels, which often link to the broader curriculum. This cross-curricular approach helps children make meaningful connections across their learning and deepens their understanding of both the text and the wider curriculum.

Through our progressive curriculum, children encounter a rich variety of text types, building their repertoire of writing skills year on year.

The Writing Cycle

Our English writing cycle follows a carefully structured sequence, which teachers adapt flexibly to meet the specific needs of their class:

Immersion and Understanding

Reading and exploring the class novel
Developing oracy through drama, discussion and real-life experiences
Analyzing the features and structure of the text type
Identifying the intended audience and understanding the writer's purpose

Building the Toolkit

Teaching new vocabulary, including subject-specific and technical language to enhance authenticity
Developing sophisticated sentence structures and effective punctuation for reader impact
Examining high-quality teacher models that demonstrate clear expectations and curriculum content

Creating Together

Generating class examples collaboratively
Editing and improving work orally through peer discussion
Planning texts with careful attention to coherence and flow

Independent Writing

Drafting texts with consideration of layout and organizational features
Editing and improving independently
Celebrating and sharing completed work with audiences

Cross-Curricular Writing

Writing at Clavering Primary extends far beyond English lessons. Teachers actively seek meaningful opportunities for children to apply their writing skills across the curriculum, ensuring that the knowledge and techniques learned in English lessons are practiced and reinforced throughout the school day.

Handwriting

We understand that teaching handwriting from the reception year is crucial to ensure that these skills become automatic for children. From their earliest days at Clavering Primary, children develop fluent, legible handwriting through systematic teaching and regular practice.

We use Letterjoin throughout the school to provide a consistent, progressive approach to handwriting instruction. This digital resource supports children in developing correct letter formation, joins, and a fluent handwriting style that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.

Spelling

Spelling instruction is embedded throughout our curriculum, building children's understanding of patterns, rules, and strategies. By forming letters by hand while associating them with the sequence of sounds in a word, children develop orthographic mapping—a crucial process that strengthens both their spelling and reading.

We use Spelling Shed to complement our classroom teaching, providing engaging, systematic practice that reinforces learning and builds confidence. This online platform allows children to practice at school and at home, with activities tailored to their individual needs and curriculum objectives.

By prioritizing transcription skills alongside composition, we ensure that our young writers have the technical foundations they need to express their ideas with clarity, accuracy, and increasing sophistication.

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Writing