Writing
Intent
Writing is delivered through an enjoyable and engaging curriculum where the bulk of our writing takes inspiration from the high quality books that we study. Writing is planned sequentially throughout key stages and years to ensure that text types, challenge and expectations continue to build throughout the school. The text types explored such as balanced arguments, formal letters and news reports promote critical thinking and the analysis of factual information. The tier three vocabulary taught through poetry and narratives develops high aspirations for our students. By developing our learner's writing, especially their written grammar, we equip our children with the vocabulary, communication skills and cultural capital to achieve social mobility and economic independence in adulthood.
At St Teresa’s, we believe that writing is a vital life skill that enables children to express themselves, communicate effectively and think creatively. We want every child to become a confident, capable and enthusiastic writer who understands the purpose of their writing and the impact it can have on a reader.
Our Approach to Teaching Writing
We follow The Literacy Tree book-based writing curriculum, which uses high-quality, diverse children’s literature as a stimulus for writing. Each unit immerses children in a rich text through discussion, drama, exploration of vocabulary and structured reading experiences. This approach ensures that writing is meaningful, purposeful and firmly rooted in exciting, authentic contexts.
Children are taught to write for a wide range of audiences and purposes, developing the skills needed to communicate effectively in different forms such as narrative, letters, reports, speeches, persuasive pieces, poetry and more. Writing outcomes are linked carefully to the point in the text, ensuring children understand not just how to write, but why they are writing.
Developing Writing Skills
To write well, children need a secure foundation in several key areas. Our curriculum supports pupils to:
1. Develop strong transcriptional skills
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Spelling is taught systematically and progressively using Little Wandle.
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Children learn to punctuate accurately
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Handwriting is taught to ensure clear, legible presentation
These essential skills support children to write fluently and confidently. Little Wandle initially supports children develop their understanding of letter formation, and Letter-Join provides a clear progression in handwriting development.
2. Understand the conventions of different text types
Rather than teaching genres in isolation, pupils are shown how writing changes depending on:
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Purpose
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Audience
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Formality
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Authorial intention
They learn the features, structures and language associated with a wide range of real-world writing styles.
3. Build a rich vocabulary
High-quality texts introduce children to ambitious vocabulary and effective language choices. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with words and develop their own writer’s voice.
4. Generate ideas and think as writers
Through drama, role play, visualisation and discussion, children explore characters, settings and viewpoints so that they have something meaningful to say before they put pen to paper.
5. Edit and improve their writing
Throughout school, children are taught how to:
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Proof-read for accuracy
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Redraft for impact
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Reflect on their choices
Editing is an explicit part of the writing process and develops independence and metacognition.
Links Between Reading and Writing
Strong readers make strong writers. Through exposure to a wide range of excellent literature, children internalise the language patterns, structures and styles that support high-quality writing. The Literacy Tree approach seamlessly blends reading and writing, enabling children to see how authors create effects and how they can adopt these techniques in their own work.
High Expectations for Every Child
We set ambitious expectations for all pupils and scaffold learning carefully to ensure every child can succeed as a writer. Through supportive modelling, shared writing, guided practice and independent application, children develop into thoughtful, capable writers who take pride in their work.
