Writing
Here at Elworth, we pride ourselves on the very highest writing standards and expectations throughout the school. Children are encouraged to see themselves as writers and to present their work as an author. As a result, children are confident and careful writers, with high standards and expectations of themselves and each other.
The programmes of study for writing at key stages 1 and 2 are constructed similarly to those for reading:
- transcription (spelling and handwriting)
- composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing)
It is essential that teaching develops pupils’ competence in these 2 dimensions. In addition, pupils are taught how to plan, revise and evaluate their writing. These skills are embedded through the Reflection process, whereby children are encouraged from an early age to read their work and edit using blue pen.
The writing process at Elworth encourages children to become motivated, independent and exciting writers. Written tasks are based around the wider curriculum; writing is planned to deepen and consolidate learning in other areas of the currciulum, especially in History, Geography and RE. High quality texts are also used to develop children's writingskills. These are used both as models for their own writing as well as to engage children in exciting stories, developing their imagination and lanaguage skills across a wider range of subjects. This prepares children well for writing throughout KS3 and beyond in to the wider world. Giving children's writing a purpose motivates them to achieve high standards in their written work.
Spelling
Children are encouraged to become confident spellers, applying phonic knowledge to their written work from an early age. Phonics application stations, visual resources and verbal feedback are used throughout Key Stage 1 to encourage children to apply their phonics knowledge to their written work. As children enter Key Stage 2, the focus on spelling increases and children are encouraged to develop confidence in spelling, using strategies to break down words and have a go at increasingly complex spellings. Children are taught patterns and application both discretely and as part of their writing process. Homework aims to support children in this process; we subscribe to online games such as Spelling Shed to practise and apply spelling patterns.
To learn more about Spelling Shed, click on the link below:
https://www.spellingshed.com/en-gb/index.html