Writing

Our approach to Writing

At Porchester, we recognise writing as being a multi-layered process, which requires the development and application of skills over time. For this reason, our writing units are planned over approximately two to three weeks and progressively build skills, following the Theresa Heathcote Teaching Sequence for Writing:

During the immersion stage, practical opportunities are provided for drama and other Speaking & Listening based activities to hook children into the unit and provide concrete experiences upon which to base their writing. We recognise the importance of constantly building our children’s vocabulary. Specific Tier 2 vocabulary to be taught (immersive word list) is identified for each unit of writing and opportunities for vocabulary development embedded within the writing sequence.

During the skills stage of the writing sequence, children learn relevant grammatical knowledge linked to the genre. This may include a combination of punctuation, word and sentence level work and lessons include opportunities to both practice and apply the knowledge learnt. At this stage of the lesson sequence, modelled and shared writing is used to exemplify the application of grammatical knowledge.

The teaching sequence is underpinned by high-quality exemplar texts (WAGOLLs) as models, from which children are able to analyse authorial intent and the key features of a genre (with a key focus on audience and purpose), whilst continuously being exposed to ambitious language choices and vocabulary.

During the later stages of the writing sequence, children apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the unit in an independent, extended piece of writing. Importantly, this stage of the unit includes time for children to plan, write and review (edit) their writing. Success criteria are used to support the children during the final writing outcome.

Genre and Text Progression

Our Genre and Key Text Progression has been carefully mapped out across a two-year cycle, in conjunction with our enquiries. This ensures that our children are exposed to a wide range of relevant genres and texts throughout their time at Porchester and that these are built upon year by year. Each term, children are taught two fiction, two non-fiction and one poetry unit of writing.

To ensure that the content taught within each year group for similar genres is progressive, our KKPDs (Key Knowledge Progression Documents), Writing Subject Maps and the FHP Writing TAFs are used in the planning process. 

Our approach to Handwriting

Handwriting follows the KS2 sequence of teaching from the Achieving Excellence in Handwriting Scheme. The handwriting style is semi-cursive. It is simplistic, but very clear, and it does not have the ‘loops’ or ‘lead ins’ which are features of more complex handwriting styles. Each lesson is intended to last only 10 minutes; doing little and often is the key. Our approach to handwriting is built upon the foundations of having good quality writing tools, correct body posture and pencil grip, and the need for teachers to have high expectations of themselves and their pupils.

Before moving systematically through joining pairs of letters, children are initially taught individual letter formation, learning the letter families in order:

Consistency in language across the school is vital to our approach for teaching handwriting to ensure children begin to assimilate patterns and shapes and link letters together that look similar to each other. We use the language: top/bottom solid/broken lines, short lines, tall lines, tail lines, diagonal joining stroke, narrow bridges, triangles, coat hanger hooks, egg shapes.

Our approach to Spelling

At Porchester, Spelling is taught using the Spelling Shed scheme and is adapted focus on the syllables and sounds within each word. A two-year cycle ensures coverage of all spelling rules by the end of each phase. 

Spelling is also given priority through children’s weekly homework, which provides opportunity to further practice the spellings learnt in class. Each week, children are can complete a written activity and practise using the Spelling Shed Online platform. Engagement with Spelling Shed is promoted in our weekly Celebration Assembly with the Class Leaderboard and Spellers of the Week.