Writing
We believe that writing is a powerful tool for communication, creativity, and expression. Our curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that every child develops the secure foundations they need to become fluent, accurate, and confident writers.
Our Core Philosophy: Rooted in the principles of the Ofsted Writing Framework, we believe that no child should be expected to write at length until they are truly ready. By focusing deeply on foundational skills first, we manage the cognitive load on young learners, allowing their confidence and creativity to soar.
Key Stage 1: Laying the Foundations with Read Write Inc. (RWI)
In Key Stage 1, our approach to early writing is systematic, explicit, and deeply integrated with our phonics program, Read Write Inc (RWI). We focus heavily on three core pillars to build successful writers:
- Secure Transcription: Before children are asked to produce extended pieces of writing, they practice handwriting, phonics-based spelling, and sentence construction daily. This ensures basic mechanics become second nature.
- Oral Composition: If you can say it, you can write it! Following RWI’s “Say it – Write it – Read it” cycle, children use talk frames, partner practice, and activities like Talk Through Stories to rehearse their ideas aloud. This builds vocabulary and syntax before pencil ever meets paper.
- Writing as Communication: Writing at St Vincent's is never just an isolated exercise in correctness. Children learn grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure in meaningful contexts, understanding how their choices shape meaning for a real audience.
Key Tools in KS1:
- "Hold a Sentence" Activities: These dictation exercises train children to internalise accurate sentence structures, punctuation, and grammar by repeating, building, and writing full sentences.
- Proof-Reading & Editing: Children are explicitly taught how to check and improve their own work, fostering clarity, control, and coherence from an early age.
- High Expectations for All: We provide a rich, language-filled environment with tailored groupings, scaffolded writing frames, and targeted support to ensure no child is left behind.
Lower Key Stage 2: Crafting and Expanding
As children transition into Lower Key Stage 2, we build directly upon the robust foundations established in KS1.
We kickstart the school year with our "Ready, Steady, Write" unit, which is specifically designed to revisit previous learning and gently introduce new concepts. In Year 3 and beyond, pupils begin to balance transcriptional mastery with the deeper compositional craft of writing.
Our curriculum focuses on two main writing purposes:
- Writing to Entertain: Exploring narrative, tone, and descriptive language.
- Writing to Inform: Mastering clarity, structure, and factual communication.
By focusing on these distinct purposes, teachers craft engaging, high-quality units tailored to inspire and enthuse their specific cohorts.