Writing
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go!" Dr Seuss
"Writing to me, is simply thinking through my fingers." Isaac Asimov
At Oughtrington Primary School we promote high standards of language and literacy by working with pupils to help them to speak well, write proficiently and develop a love of literature through reading for enjoyment. We follow the 2014 National Curriculum for English using the ‘Literacy Counts’ read to write scheme to support our planning and assessment. Our aim is to encourage our pupils to reach their potential and aspire to greater heights.
Speaking and Listening:
Spoken language is important to the development of our pupils across the whole curriculum. It underpins the development of reading and writing. The quality and variety of language that pupils hear and speak is vital in developing their vocabulary, grammar and understanding for reading and writing. At Oughtrington, we ensure pupils continually develop confidence and competence in spoken language and listening skills, not only in English but across the whole school curriculum. Children are supported to develop their ability to discuss their ideas and opinions with others. They learn to explain their understanding of books and other reading and to use the conventions for discussion and debate to develop their understanding across the curriculum.
Drama is used across the curriculum as a way of developing children’s speaking and listening skills. Children are given opportunities to improvise, devise and script drama for one another and a range of audiences. Children have opportunities to perform during the KS1 Christmas Production, Harvest festival, PAN Arts Performance and Year 6 End of Year Production, which are highlights of the school year.
Writing in the classroom:
Our Primary English curriculum places high quality children's literature at its core and is designed to develop a life-long love of reading and writing. We work in partnership with ‘The Literacy Counts’ scheme and have a book-based approach to all our English lessons from Reception to Year 6. Through fantastic texts, children explore language, stories, and ideas. Reading and writing take place every day within the classroom.
Spelling and handwriting:
Pupils are taught phonics in EYFS and Key Stage 1, using the Read, Write Inc scheme to support their spelling and reading skills. From Year 1 to Year 6 children learn the rules of spelling and the conventions of grammar through a structured and progressive programme of lessons using the Edshed spelling scheme. Children are also able to practice their spellings weekly at home using the online Spelling shed app.
A consistently high standard of presentation and handwriting fosters a sense of pride and respect in children’s work. Self-esteem is raised when children are able to communicate meaning accurately. Handwriting is taught discretely so that children can achieve a neat, legible style with correctly formed letters. Wherever possible, handwriting is linked to spelling patterns and phonics to support learners with dyslexia and other literacy needs.
